The great Saudi Arabian sham

Saudi Arabia virtually hosted the Women20 Summit (W20) this October. It was more to demonstrate to the world how much the country has changed and how the country's stifling laws were being replaced with the ones that promote modern outlook. During the event, over 80 women's rights experts representing non-profits, private companies, and academic institutions discussed "realising opportunities of the 21st century for all."

This is not the first time that the Saudi government used a topic on women's rights to deviate public attention from the curtailed freedom of women in the country. Recent changes, including the right to drive and to travel without male guardian permission, were significant, no doubt. Yet, some of the women who campaigned for the same have been jailed by the Saudi authorities. Beginning in May 2018, authorities arrested prominent activist Loujain al-Hathloul and several others, just weeks before the driving ban was lifted.

While some have since been released, al-Hathloul, as well as Nassima al-Sadah, Samar Badawi, and Nouf Abdulaziz – who were arrested later that year – remain in detention. Those released risk immediate return to prison if they step out of line. It is not that Saudi women did not fight the discrimination against them in every sphere. They have called for abolition of male guardianship system, and an end to sexual harassment and inequality in marriage, divorce, and child custody.

W20 is an official engagement group of the G20 that makes sure gender considerations are reflected in world leaders' agendas and policy commitments. Participants should have been aware of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's (MBS) government's crackdown against women's rights activists. The G20 Presidency – and, subsequently, the privilege to host the W20 – has conferred an undeserved mark of international prestige on the government of MBS.

While courageous women are subjected to torture for peaceful activities, the Saudi government seeks to assert itself on the international stage as a "reforming" power. Loujain al-Hathloul detained three years ago by the Saudi government, has been sentenced to five years and eight months in jail after being found guilty of spying with foreign parties and conspiring against the kingdom.

However, the court suspended two years and 10 months of her sentence and backdated the start of her jail term to May 2018, meaning she only has three months left to serve. Why did the court do so? Those in the know would say that the Saudi authorities were only playing to the gallery. They don't want to rub the incoming American President on the wrong side.

Lina, Hathloul's sister pointed out that though her sister could be released in March this year, she was in for a five-year travel ban. As in all such cases, the suspension of the jail term or its reduction now is subject to certain conditions. She cannot repeat any of the offences the next three coming years.

It means her freedom is under watch and she could not "use" it as she likes to. This is a condition that the Saudis always impose on those released from jails in such cases. So, the leniency shown now is only because of the fear of the US action. Nothing more to it!