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Saudi Arabian Human Rights Activist, Lina Al-Hathloul, seen during the NUFC Fans Against Sportswashing public meeting at the Northern Stage, Newcastle upon Tyne. Picture date: Tuesday September 5, 2023.
A LEADING Saudi Arabian human rights activist says Newcastle are being used as a “tool” to legitimise Mohammed bin Salman’s regime and urged supporters not to underestimate the power of protest.
Members of the NUFC Fans Against Sportswashing group are set to stage a demonstration outside St James’s Park tomorrow night, prior to the first of two international friendlies set to be staged by the Saudis at the venue this month.
Lina al-Hathloul, whose sister Loujain was imprisoned and tortured after leading a campaign to allow women to drive in her homeland, was on Tyneside this week to stress that shows of dissent can still have a significant impact on the actions of the regime.
As Saudi Arabia is hailed abroad for its ‘reforms,’ the reality for women inside the kingdom grows ever more repressive. On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, MARYAM ALDOSSARI argues it is time to stop applauding the illusion – and start listening to the women the state works hardest to silence
