10 Apr 2012 | Index Index, minipost
A woman has been sentenced to 50 lashes for swearing at her friend in a text message in Saudi Arabia. Following an argument between two women, aged 33 and 31, about where to go on an evening over the weekend, the two women went their separate ways. Some time later, one of the women sent a text message including a swear word. The recipient went to court and showed the text message to a judge. Although the woman said she was joking when she sent the message, she was sentenced to be lashed 50 times.
19 Mar 2012 | Digital Freedom, Index Index, Middle East and North Africa, minipost
Three Saudi web managers from news websites which cover political unrest are being held in prison without charge. Habib Ali al-Maatiq and Hussein Malik al-Salam from Al-Fajr Cultural Network and Jalal Mohamed al-Jamal from news website Al-Awamia were arrested by security forces in February. The Al-Fajr Cultural Network website, which covers covers pro-reform protests in the predominantly Shia region, was taken down following the arrests. Al-Maatiq and al-Salam are reportedly being held in a prison in Dammam. Al-Jamal is believed to have been accused of “opposing the state” and “inciting” its downfall. His whereabouts are currently unknown.
15 Feb 2012 | Index Index, Middle East and North Africa, minipost
Saudi journalist Hamza Kashgari has repented for his tweets deemed insulting to the Prophet Mohammed, according to a family member. They said Kashgari, 23, “has affirmed to his family that he stands by his repentance, that he has made a mistake and regrets it.”
The newspaper columnist fled Saudi Arabia after tweeting a mock conversation between himself and the prophet Mohammed that sparked thousands of responses, including death threats. He was arrested and detained upon his arrival in Malaysia on 9 February, before being sent back to Saudi in controversial circumstancs. He may be accused of apostasy, which is a capital offence in his native Saudi Arabia.
16 Jan 2012 | Index Index, minipost
One person has been killed and at least three others have been injured in clashes between security forces and Shia protesters in Saudi Arabia.
22 year-old Issam Mohammed died in al-Awamiya on Friday, after live ammunition was fired into the crowd by troops. The troops began firing after protesters threw stones at them. Officials also said a security vehicle was shot at and attacked with petrol bombs.
Meanwhile, a Saudi Arabian man has been arrested by the country’s religious police for allegedly using Facebook to arrange dates with other men. If charged with being gay, the man could face massive fines, flogging, jail or death.
