28,000 against driving ban in Saudi Arabia

Fighting against the driving ban for women in Saudi Arabia, more than 2,800 have signed an online petition seeking an end to it, say activists. Being the world’s only country where women are not allowed to drive and are met with serious consequences if they defy the law, the campaign encouraged women to post online images of them driving.

An unnamed activist told Al-Jazeera, “A day hasn't gone by without receiving one or two videos.” The participating women drivers run a huge personal risk as some women in the past have been arrested, have had their cars confiscated, and one received 100 lashes. The danger also hovers over the activist, who doesn’t wish to be named because the interior ministry has threatened her with arrest if she speaks publicly about the campaign.

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The online petition states that tradition and custom are behind the prohibition and has nothing to do with any Islamic text or judicial ruling. The activist said that through this campaign they aim to create a storm over the issue.

The interior ministry last week, issued a warning to would-be female drivers and their supporters. The warning stated: “ contributes in any manner or by any acts, towards providing violators with the opportunity to undermine the social cohesion.”

ORIGINAL SOURCE: Al-Jazeera

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/10/saudi-women-driving-campaign-gathers-pace-2014102621294946228.html