Saudis arrest 7 women ahead of driving ban lift

DUBAI – Saudi authorities have arrested seven prominent women's rights advocates, just weeks before the kingdom's longstanding driving ban on women is set to be lifted, Human Rights Watch said yesterday.

Without identifying those detained, Saudi Arabia's state security apparatus said seven people had been arrested for "attempting to undermine the security and stability of the kingdom ... and to erode national unity."

"Work is still underway to identify everyone involved" and take legal measures against them, a security spokesman said in a statement published yesterday by state news agency SPA.

Those arrested are facing accusations including making "suspicious contact with foreign parties," providing financial support to "hostile elements abroad" and recruiting government workers.

The crackdown comes even as the kingdom breaks with long-held restrictions on women, with the driving ban slated to end June 24. But there were warnings that Riyadh would not tolerate those pushing for change outside its authority.

Activists told HRW that in September 2017, "the royal court had called the country's prominent activists... and warned them not to speak to the media." It added: "The calls were made the same day the authorities announced that they would lift the driving ban on women."