Saudi arrest prominent women’s rights activist amid crackdown on liberals

Amid a crackdown that began on 15 May against rights activists and liberals in the country, Saudi authorities arrested on Monday Walaa Saeed Al-Shubbar, a nurse and activist known for her support for victims of domestic violence and female inmates, Al-Khaleej Online reported.

Al-Shubbar is an advocate of abolishing a guardianship law that stipulates that every woman must have a male guardian such as a father, brother, husband, or even a son who is authorized to take a number of decisions on her behalf.

Women are required to obtain the guardian’s consent to obtain a passport, travel abroad, study abroad with a government scholarship, get married, or even get out of prison.

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