Saudi Court proves they are way behind in human rights
A Saudi court has just upped a gang raped victim's sentence. The 19-year-old woman who received a sentence of 90 lashes, went to meet with an unrelated male and former friend from whom she was receiving photographs. The two of them were abducted and raped by 7 rapists-who only received sentences ranging from 10 months to five years in prison.
The victim's attorney contested the rapists sentence saying they should be reconsidered due to the sinful violent nature of the crime-and that they should receive a punishment of death.
After a year of deliberation the courts increased the rapist's sentences. But to the shock of both victim and her lawyer they increased her sentence as well to 6 months in prison and 200 lashes. The reason-the victims " attempt to aggravate and influence the judiciary through the media," according to Arab News, an English-language Middle Eastern daily newspaper.
In a further unjust decision the court also decided to bar the lawyer from further representing the victim and also revoked his law license. The attorney is appealing this decision.
Women in Saudi Arabia are subjected to countless restrictions that when crossed come with serious consequences. Among the restrictions include a strict dress code, a prohibition against driving and the need for a man's permission to travel or have surgery. Women are also not allowed to testify in court unless it is about a private matter that was not observed by a man, and they are not allowed to vote, according to CNN.
The story goes on to say that Saudi Arabian government has taken steps to better the situation for women in their country. But it is clear they have a long way to go.
Stories like these truly make me sick and seem to prove in my mind that the world would perhaps be a better place if we didn't have religion to control people.