Statement of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton on the Pardon of the 'Girl of Qatif'

[The Straight Story]

Statement of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton on the Pardon of the 'Girl of Qatif'

Washington, DC – “I welcome today’s news that Saudi King Abdullah has pardoned the ‘Girl of Qatif.’ This young woman was raped by seven men in an unconscionable attack last spring. Despite being the victim of this heinous crime, the Girl of Qatif was sentenced to 200 lashes and six months in prison. This sentence was unjustifiable, and I am glad to see that it has been overturned. We cannot truly end the epidemic of violence against women unless we can end the silence and stigma that so often accompanies these crimes, and ensure that those who have experienced violent sexual assault are not blamed or jailed for what they have endured. I am pleased to note that the Saudi government has announced reforms to its legal system, and I encourage them to continue that process so that all Saudis – both men and women – have equal protection under the law.”

Senator Clinton, a longtime champion of women’s rights around the world, previously expressed outrage at this sentence, and joined with several of her colleagues last week in introducing a resolution urging the Saudi government to overturn the sentence of the Girl of Qatif.

http://clinton.senate.gov/news/statements/details.cfm?id=289354&&

[madeline_con]

1. She's obviously never been to Qatif.

Hole in the wall. Not a lot of enlightened "big city Saudis" hanging around the souk. The Mutawahs walk around with sticks making sure everything closes down for prayer.

[liberalnurse]

3. She understands completely.

She is responding in a fashion where she does not insult the culture. She is respectfully complimenting them for an action we welcome knowing that it is an exception to their society norm. This was also coming from a women.

[durrrty libby]

2. Bravo Hillary. Keep speaking out

It is beyond reprehensible what men get away with


:woohoo: :applause: :woohoo:

[madeline_con]

4. To some Muslim fundies, it is an insult because

it's from a woman, and it questions the authority of the judge who sentenced her.

I can tell you from the perspective of some, they'd say, "The US is interfering, and turning Saudi women into whores like western women."

She was in a car with an unrelated male. Big no no.

The younger generation is trying to bring some change.

[emilyg]

5. Good for her.