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Saudi police detained a young woman for violating 'modesty rules' after she removed her abaya, the loose-fitting, full-length robes women are required to wear, on a main street in the capital Riyadh, local media reported on Monday.
The conservative Muslim country enforces a strict dress code for women in public, bans them from driving and prohibits the mixing of sexes.
The Arabic-language al-Sharq newspaper reported that the woman was detained after a complaint was filed by the religious police.
"Police officers have detained a girl who had removed her abaya on al-Tahliya street, implementing a challenge she announced on social media several days ago," the newspaper quoted Colonel Fawaz al-Maiman, a Riyadh police spokesman, as saying.
The sabq.org news website said the unnamed woman had posted on Twitter that she would go out in public without her abaya.
Both sabq.org and another news website, alweeam.com.sa, carried a picture of the woman wearing a black jacket over an ankle-length orange and pink dress. Sabq.org concealed the exposed parts of her body.
The post had drawn an angry reaction from some Saudis.
"She has been arrested and we demand utmost punishment, for the state has rules that she did not respect," one Twitter user said.
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On DawnNews
Comments (103) Closed
Dec 13, 2016 11:07am
Brave woman who is fighting for her freedom. I'm with you beautiful soul as you fight for your individual rights. Love from Pakistan!
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Dec 13, 2016 11:07am
"She has been arrested and we demand utmost punishment, for the state has rules that she did not respect," Really until or unless we free our women from oppression we can never, ever become a progressed industrialized nation. Stare problem behavior is almost like an pandemic for our sisters and mothers in Indopak region. Brave and a beautiful strong soul we are with you.
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Dec 13, 2016 11:09am
Why should they cover if the men cannot control themselves....
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Dec 13, 2016 11:15am
The men in that country and the Princes have all liberty to do whatever they want, let the women have an option.
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Dec 13, 2016 11:14am
This sort of thing is not permitted in Islam, go to the west and act immodestly but not here
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Dec 13, 2016 11:20am
One need to obey the law of land and if she did disobey she should get a fitting punishment. We are so busy in mindless games instead of doing something more productive. How about raising money for those who are facing hardship instead of this dare competition.
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Dec 13, 2016 11:21am
Good! Job done by the Police.
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Dec 13, 2016 11:26am
Its Their country, Their laws. And like we Pakistans don't like interference from others, so should we respect their laws.Why we are even concerned?
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Dec 13, 2016 11:31am
let these men and women of saudi give freedom , respect and rights to other people especially the immigrants then we can worry about their rights.
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Dec 13, 2016 11:29am
Good job, everybody has rights man or woman.
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Dec 13, 2016 11:43am
She was not detained for removing just Abaya. Because this is common practice now. But to advertising, glamorizing and commercializing it.
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Dec 13, 2016 11:44am
Look at the comments of these Pakistani men and women. There will be more conservative practice found if we look into their lives and family affairs.
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Dec 13, 2016 11:48am
@saleem For your unkind information. The women of Saudi Arab have more rights in the world. They are under patronage of Government if there is no male immediate guardian. They are given equal rights i may say more rights then men. Because their government urge local men to work to earn. But women are not required to work but feel like Queens.
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Dec 13, 2016 11:53am
Here is a perfect examples of some hypocrites, who are critical of the Saudi government, instead of this young woman for violating the law of the land.
Why are we so quick to heap scorn on Saudis for implementing and enforcing modesty rules. But then we urge Muslims and Pakistani in the West to 'integrate' and assimilate by adopting the customs, dress and creed of the country they chose to live in? Are we not displaying double standards here??
It is their land and their law. When in Saudi, even some Western women don an abaya, hijab or a scarf out of respect for the local customs and laws. We are not asking our women to start wearing shorts in the West. So why should we applaud a Saudi women who removed her Abaya in her homeland, when she knows better the consequences for defiance and disrespect for the laws.
Live and let live, When in Rome....
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Dec 13, 2016 12:04pm
@IMTIAZ ALI KHAN . these types of statements are only made to get some finance for ngos. The rule of law is to be respected.
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Dec 13, 2016 12:22pm
@A Khan
The men are on the web wrong side. So not blame the law.
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Dec 13, 2016 12:24pm
@IMTIAZ ALI KHAN Well said brother. We need to support such brave souls.
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Dec 13, 2016 12:29pm
@Usman exactly what I say when the west bans Hijabs.
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Dec 13, 2016 12:33pm
Sheer madness pushing us towards extremism...
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Dec 13, 2016 12:36pm
And then they want these type of decats to be followed in western or non Muslims countries.
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Dec 13, 2016 12:39pm
@PAKISTAN FIRST
Then bro why do you want laws in western or non Muslim countries to be bend to meet your religious needs.
Follow rules which are existing to include non halal meat .
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Dec 13, 2016 12:41pm
But Saudi men are free to do what ever they like....
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Dec 13, 2016 12:54pm
I totally support and respect Saudis stance on this issue, even iran has same laws...its part of thier culture and traditions...if you dont like it just move somewhere else, dont spoil the entire society.....
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Dec 13, 2016 01:00pm
@Max Thank you you are right. The rule of law implementation will come once we have strong leaders who are in for the country not for themselves. We are working on that currently. Pakistan has very free media who is not afraid of criticism. This all happened after Musharraf freed the media and gave private channel license to so many TV stations and print media. Things will get better in our region and we must always speak the voice of support to help anyone who is in trouble, from any faith or origin we all human first Love from Pakland Shanti.
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Dec 13, 2016 12:59pm
@IMTIAZ ALI KHAN comon man you arent serious are you? Beautiful soul....sir its your opinion and I respect it...likewise the people who want to follow their religion its their right too...Saudis have their own ways and its part of their rule book. If they feel its good for their society and majority of the citizens like to follow these rules, then you cant just come out storming rebel agianst a law just to garner some attention.....There is thin line between being open minded and being a complete wana be....we need to feel secure about our religion, these comments I read here stem out of insecurities and complexes.....first we need to fight that before defending this beautiful soul.
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Dec 13, 2016 01:03pm
Laws are law. If you dont like the laws the leave the country. Simple.
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Dec 13, 2016 01:08pm
@Mango man no wonder I like mangoes :) Thanks for understanding my reason for support.
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Dec 13, 2016 01:13pm
@Haider : Laws are made for the protection of the people and not for suppressing them and not for intimidating them. BTW, laws have to be legislated by the people and their representatives and NOT by some dictator or a self proclaimed royal family. Consent of the people is a prerequisite for any law to be promulgated
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Dec 13, 2016 01:13pm
When Pakistanis emigrate to the UK or Canada, we urge them to assimilate and adopt the practices of those countries. Or we criticize desis and implore them to come back to their villages in Pakistan.
When Emirates, Qataris and Saudis come to Pakistan for hunting, we criticize our government and the Arabs for violating our laws on endangered species and wildlife.
When Saudis implement and enforce their laws in their own country, about dress code no less, we find fault in the Saudi laws?
Anyone else see how hypocritical we sound? Perhaps those who are so quick to judge and pass scathing comments on others, should look in the mirror. Learn to respect your own laws first, before you can criticize a foreign nation for enforcing laws of the land.
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Dec 13, 2016 01:15pm
@Ali : People have the right to practice their religion but should never have the right to impose it on other people
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Dec 13, 2016 01:38pm
As far as I know, Saudi men cover their head and wear loose-fitting, full-length robes!
decent clothing and proper behaviour in public and family are basic values in a "civilised culture".
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Dec 13, 2016 01:46pm
@IMTIAZ ALI KHAN
Islam has given women that freedom no other religion has given, u pls go through islmic teaching u will be amazed...
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Dec 13, 2016 01:52pm
@azad Islam is beautiful, Stay blessed
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Dec 13, 2016 01:54pm
@PAKISTAN FIRST exactly she get punished for disobeying the law. But the same rule is applicable in other country when they told you to remove the burqa as per their law and order.
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Dec 13, 2016 01:58pm
If Germany bans Hijab, it is, because they say, contrary to their laws. So is the case with Saudi Arabia. She violated law, she got detained. So has happened in France and will happen in Germany soon.
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Dec 13, 2016 02:11pm
@Usman Would you also say 'its their country, their law' when western countries ban Hijab?
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Dec 13, 2016 02:15pm
@Ali Would you also agree when western countries ban Hijab?
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Dec 13, 2016 02:12pm
@Haider Would you also say same thing when western countries ban Hijab?
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Dec 13, 2016 02:35pm
what is Pakistan's problem, KSA belongs to Saudis, let them handle their matters.
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Dec 13, 2016 02:43pm
Brave and admirable woman indeed.
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Dec 13, 2016 02:48pm
While the law of the land should be respected, but the same law should apply to all citizens....including the royals!!!
..............the world is well aware of the kind of hypocrisy this ruling family practices.......
The religious card can not be applied as it does not apply to the rulers......
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Dec 13, 2016 02:51pm
Brave lady can bring a positive social change for Saudi women.
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Dec 13, 2016 02:55pm
@Pakistan Zindabad ....sorry which state are you talking about.....KSA???
Both the women and poor as well as the whole of xpats population has very few rights if any!
The rich are beyond reach and the poor are hardly surviving.
The passports are taken over by the employers and the residents can never get the citizenship.....this is of and only state with such dictorial rules....!
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Dec 13, 2016 02:53pm
All those speaking on support of the Saudi govt. Should also support the burkini ban in France.
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Dec 13, 2016 03:00pm
@Say it Exactly
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Dec 13, 2016 03:01pm
@Say it sane words.
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Dec 13, 2016 03:13pm
@Vaqas very well pointed out.
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Dec 13, 2016 03:34pm
@IMTIAZ ALI KHAN Don't try to interfere in their laws.
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Dec 13, 2016 03:58pm
@IMTIAZ ALI KHAN She was wrong because so call poor soul didn't follow the rule of the KSA. Saudi Arab has laws which are equal for everyone, it's an independent country. It's a country which respects and give dignity to it's people. Please ask so many Pakistanis who are living in the Kingdom and feeding their families for decades in Pakistan.
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Dec 13, 2016 04:02pm
@Karim I'm just speechless yaara after what you have said.
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Dec 13, 2016 04:03pm
I request all Muslims to follow Islam in true letter and spirit please,,,,, in Islam boundaries for all have been very clearly mentioned,,,, if we follow that there will be no evil in Muslim World mark my words,,, we are facing all mess because we are far away from our religion
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Dec 13, 2016 04:04pm
@Vaqas Thank you for understanding my staunch support for the poor soul.
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Dec 13, 2016 04:09pm
@Khalid Saeed Truth.
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Dec 13, 2016 04:18pm
@Pakistan Zindabad
Of course this is why women the world over are desperate to get into Saudi Arabia by all legal and illegal means!
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Dec 13, 2016 04:26pm
@Haider That's the same we say while peoples don't stand for national anthem in India , Law is Law
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Dec 13, 2016 05:16pm
Those who advocate women rights should see women rights in Saudi Arabia. Women feel secure and confident and enjoy all their rights a western country may not like to give. In Pakistan and other western-influenced countries consider women rights only with their dresses, talking freely to men, wandering on streets alone or with anyone they like etc. In fact these are the main causes of destruction of a society and we all see everyday such events. Saudi Arabia has given rights according to Islam and women find comfortable themselves. It is best place for a muslim to live in Saudi Arabia to experience and learn Islamic values.
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Dec 13, 2016 05:22pm
@Vaqas - Don't try to mix the two issues. They are completely separate. Saudis never claimed to be champions of freedom and liberty, like the French have been. Therefore for the French to sanction or fine Muslim women from wearing Burkini on French Riviera flies in the face of their stated stance and policies. People go to West because they want to enjoy that freedom of choice - for better or for worse.
If Saudis want to force women to adhere to certain policies dictated by the state, than it is for the women to comply - or leave the country if they defy it, or go to jail.
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Dec 13, 2016 05:31pm
Obey law and rules
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Dec 13, 2016 05:51pm
@Shahbaz
You don't know what rights women have in Saudi Arabia. I lived there for 33 years and am fortunate enough to have many Saudi friends. Get your facts right before you write on any topic.
I feel you are one of those with a closed mind who wants to keep his women behind closed doors. Wake up this is 21st century.
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Dec 13, 2016 06:11pm
@Shahbaz spot on sir!!!!
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Dec 13, 2016 06:30pm
The woman did a great job-A real brave woman
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Dec 13, 2016 06:36pm
@Pakistan Zindabad Women in KSA are not allowed to drive, to work and have to be covered from head to toe . The women are forced to be dependent on males. What kind of life is this for a women ?.
Does a human have to live under all sort of restrictions throughout her life just because she is a female ?
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Dec 13, 2016 06:34pm
@Usman We as human beings are and must be concerned as women are integral part of humanity and human rights are universal and whenever and wherever human rights are abused, which is rampant in Saudi Arabia, humanity has not just right but duty to protest against it. Rights of human beings should not be such a complex issue as today's modern world especially the West is recognizing even animal rights & abusers are dozed with punishments.
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Dec 13, 2016 07:07pm
@Mohajir - Nonsense! You've never been to KSA and don't know a single Saudi women or families to make such remarks.
Who says Women in Saudi are not allowed to work? I know many women-owned thriving enterprises, women engineers, economists, bankers, college professors, government officials, and even ordinary office employees in Saudi Arabia. Women may not drive in the Kingdom, but the momentum against that rule is gaining pace and the laws will be changed.
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Dec 13, 2016 07:12pm
@Mohajir Do women not depend on their husbands, fathers, brothers in Pakistan? Do you know any women who live entirely alone - without a male figure in her life in Pakistan?
Would you want your daughter or sister to be completely free of any male domination, guardianship or protection - no matter how educated and independent she may be financially or otherwise??
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Dec 13, 2016 07:20pm
I wonder if white American woman walking in Jeddah without an abaya will be arrested? I doubt it. Saudi policy is based on bigotry.
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Dec 13, 2016 08:06pm
@M. Siddique - Are you an American woman!? Go to Jeddah and find out.... But before that visit Dubai, Doha or Kuwait. See if anyone harasses you on the streets.
You have no idea how many Americans alone work in KSA, especially at Aramco. Which is an 'American city; with pools, tennis courts, and streets like California, within Daharan/Damamm and areas adjacent to Al Ahmadi, between Kuwait and KSA. Many Assuis, American and European women dress like normal westerners and work in all the cities I mentioned above.
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Dec 13, 2016 08:32pm
@Truth ...sorry do not agree with your way of thinking.
Irrespective of gender if an individual is capable to living independently then this should be respected.
Men should not see themselves as sole thaikaidar of women.
Women are and had always been able to look after themselves and are proving to do better in several spheres of life and profession.
Regarding decency in the society, if men finds it difficult to deal with freedom of expression then they should be dealt with not the other way round!!!
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Dec 14, 2016 02:29am
Is the religious police different from the real police?
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Dec 14, 2016 05:32am
@Joe like for example?
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Dec 14, 2016 07:03am
I Think she should have the right to wear any decent clothing she wants. On the other hand, if France and many Europian countries are by the law forbidding Muslim women from wearing Hijab and in some cases even head covers. So who is right ? In my opinion, both sides is oppressing the women's right .
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Dec 14, 2016 09:22am
One should respect the law & culture of the country. Ethically, she violated to emotions of other women who like to wear Hijab.
Appreciate the enforcement of law by Saudi government.
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Dec 14, 2016 03:04pm
When the West bans Hijab , so called liberal minds here say 'law of land should be respected' ; why not have same stance now.
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Dec 14, 2016 03:20pm
@ADEEL CHAUDHARY "she violated to emotions of other women who like to wear Hijab. Appreciate the enforcement of law by Saudi government."
how do you know that other Saudi women, or even those in Pakistan like to wear Hijab? Or are they wearing it owing to compulsions from a deeply patriarchal and feudal society following medieval values? Contrary to violating their emotions, she might lead the path to freedom of choice.
As for Saudi law enforcement - they top the nation with capital punishments, so lets keep it for a separate discussion
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Dec 14, 2016 03:22pm
Cant believe that the Pakistani people are so liberal! thanks to Dawn which opens the window to the average Pakistani people.
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Dec 14, 2016 04:20pm
If people in the west are defending Hijab ban then why to criticise Abaya wearing enforcement by Saudi Govt. which is according to Islamic law. No human or women right is violated by this enforcement.
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Dec 14, 2016 04:23pm
Why people don't shout when French Police do the same to Stop Abaya?
every country has its own rules.
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Dec 14, 2016 05:26pm
@M. Malik Then we should not scream when abaya is banned in France. It is their country and they have the right to formulate laws and everybody should follow them. Similarly if Trump bans Muslims from entering USA we should also accept this considering the law is made by representatives of the people of united states.
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Dec 14, 2016 06:06pm
@PAKISTAN FIRST She is fighting against oppression and self-defined religious obligations. If law of land is cruel, every-one has right to fight.
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Dec 14, 2016 06:18pm
ridiculous laws ... Norms should change with time...
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Dec 14, 2016 06:26pm
Brave woman who is willing to stand up for her rights. Who is the government to tell us how to dress. Stupid law! Just like France's anti-burkini law!
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Dec 14, 2016 08:33pm
@Shah Yes you are right, me is free from any obvious restriction. it is one sided.
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Dec 14, 2016 10:07pm
Get out of stone age era and let women have their freedom.
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Dec 14, 2016 10:41pm
Saudis could have a law which would prohibit men to stare at women...problem solved.
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Dec 14, 2016 11:05pm
Follow the rules of the land. The same happens in all the western countries too where abaya/veil are banned.
I fully support the government here.
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Dec 14, 2016 11:50pm
@M. Malik , but who made those rules and laws?
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Dec 14, 2016 11:55pm
@azad a complete lie. It is a complete opposite of that. Practice what you preach bro.
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Dec 15, 2016 01:48am
@Skeptic In Germany the burqa-wearer has come from elsewhere and should assimilate. In saudi Arabia the woman is local and should have the right to challenge the law.
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Dec 15, 2016 03:17am
I see both aspects of the incident are significant: a) A woman "tested the regulators" with her protest by defying the law. b) The law enforcement authority came into action and "apprehended the violator". This is a LITMUST TEST of a functioning system of governance .... I leave it here .... so far as judging who is right or wrong .... lets not debate ... we Pakistanis, keeping in view the state of affairs in our own country; do not have the face and moral position to debate the "rule of law" of any other country in general and KSA in particular.
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Dec 15, 2016 04:40am
@Team cpec
You are 120%right
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Dec 15, 2016 05:52am
@Ali Make the laws in name of the culture, not in the name of Islam
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Dec 15, 2016 08:52am
@Team cpec Do we have the right to interfere with other's personal affairs.
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Dec 15, 2016 08:56am
@saleem thank u bhai
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Dec 15, 2016 09:02am
@AW well response women's are HUMAN not animals tight there hand and feets , even in western countries animals rights as well
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Dec 15, 2016 09:24am
none of our business to comment. It's there country let them handle it according to their respective laws.
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Dec 15, 2016 09:47am
@PAKISTAN FIRST "One need to obey the law of land and if she did disobey she should get a fitting punishment", Then why do you fight in western countries for implementation of sharia? why cant you respect their laws??
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Dec 15, 2016 10:34am
@Just saying Because covering for women is ordered by your Creator, that's why. Women have ora they have to take care of. Meaning parts in the body of women which needs to be covered.
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Dec 15, 2016 10:42am
@Mango man Go and live in a western country with all your female members in the family and have your freedom to the fullest practice whatever vain desires you and your family have. BUT NOT In a Muslim Country
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Dec 15, 2016 10:42am
@AM - Wake up get into PM time zone Miss AM. Cover yourself and men will not stare
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Dec 15, 2016 11:28am
This is extremely sad incident. Treating women like a cattle and sheep. Its sick mentality.
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Dec 15, 2016 09:32pm
@Pakistan Zindabad ," But women are not required to work but feel like Queens." Queens are free, these women are slaves with no freedom as a human being, this is the real difference, no work, means no own earned money, dependency on other someone, this not makes a Queens it creates slaves.
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Dec 15, 2016 09:39pm
@Pakistan Zindabad , Let give these women some freedom from your grip, so they can live and choose their own life, for a human being freedom is more important then becoming a queen.
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Dec 16, 2016 05:07am
@M. Malik It is not done out of respect, if you should know. It is done because they may be arrested and thrown in jail.
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