This latest news story is an excellent example of how religion is used by a ruling class to oppress people. It has all the elements of brutality, nationalism and ignorance that have characterized all religions but in this millieu, especially Islam.
The brutality of giving a 75 year old woman 40 lashes is apparent and obvious; that she is not Saudi and neither are at least one of the two men accused with her is troubling. Perhaps the Kingdom is signifying to its Syrian neighbors, through this Syrian national, that attempts at peace with Israel are counterproductive? But the ignorance, so profound so steeped in irrational behavior is the most troubling aspect. One of the young men, and we’re talking about men 24 years old, is considered by Islamic law her son, because she breastfed him while he was an infant, which means she can legally be alone with him; the fact that the “court” didn’t allow this information because they claim it was unsubstantiated while at the same time allowing the hearsay allegation of the father of the same young man that the defendant was corrupting his son is incredulous!
I hope there is more to this story; I hope that her case is settled immediately and Mrs. Sawadi is spared the humiliation of Saudi ignorance. It is truly from the “where do they find these people?” files.
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