Saudis Threaten Rape Victim With Additional Sentence if She Appeals Verdict

Posted by Lucinda Marshall, Feminist Peace Network at 12:30 PM on November 26, 2007.

This post, written by Lucinda Marshall, originally appeared on Feminist Peace Network

The Saudis are continuing to piously justify the recent sentencing of a 19 year old victim of a gang rape to 6 months in jail and 200 lashes for idling in a car with men who were not her relatives, issuing the following statement, according to the Toronto Star

""We reiterate that judicial rulings in this virtuous country ... are based on God's book and the traditions of his Prophet and that no ruling is issued without being based on evidence," said the statement carried by official news agency SPA."

More ominously, the court has said that if the woman appeals the sentence and continues to use the media to raise awareness of the case, it is possible that the sentence will be increased, giving the clear message that the Saudis also consider it a crime to shed light on their deeply misogynist laws.

"The woman's husband has told local media they would appeal, even though the judge had warned that the sentence could be increased again if she loses the appeal.

The justice ministry noted that the law gives the right of appeal, but warned that "resorting to the media" could have "a negative effect on the other parties in the case.""

Tagged as: women, rape, saudi arabia, criminal justice

Lucinda Marshall is a feminist artist, writer and activist. She is the Founder of the Feminist Peace Network. Her work has been published in numerous publications in the U.S. and abroad including, Counterpunch and Information Clearinghouse.