The continuing case of ‘Fatima’, the Saudi woman forceably divorced from her husband due to her brothers’ view that he was beneath her in tribal status, has taken a new turn. According to Arab News, she has decided to go on a hunger strike to protest the inaction of authorities on this case which began in 2005. While the Saudi Human Rights Commission declares that the problem will be resolved in her favor ‘soon’, she’s tired of waiting.
Fatima Starts Hunger Strike Despite HRC’s Reunion Assurances
Ebtihal Mubarak, Arab NewsJEDDAH, 25 March 2008 — A Saudi woman, who was forcibly divorced from her husband by a court in 2005 at the request of her half brothers, yesterday began the first day of a hunger strike despite officials saying that the couple would soon be reunited.
“I won’t believe it till I see it… I’ll remain stuck in this shelter like an outcaste. Everyone asks me to be patient and wait,†said the woman known as Fatima.
“Three years have passed now. I’m human at the end of the day and there is a limit to what I can put up with,†she told Arab News in a phone conversation, adding that no one understands what she was going through.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the government-run Human Rights Commission (HRC) gave assurances that the couple would be reunited. “The couple will soon be reunited,†said Zuhair Al-Harithy, HRC spokesman, without giving a timeframe.
“Fatima and Mansour’s case is a HRC priority and gets the special attention of HRC President Turki Al-Sudairi,†he said, adding that Al-Sudairi has been in conversation about the issue with high-ranking government officials.
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March:25:2008 - 13:08
Trying to imagine fighting that hard for my husband…hmmm
O.K. I think as long as this case is open Saudi Arabia is saying that they do not value the sanctity of Marriage and Saudi Arabia is really hot and it is only March.
We are living in HELL! ! !
March:25:2008 - 14:33
This lady is turning out to be almost a role model. I understand her, “soon” in the Middle East can be anywhere from two hours from now to 20 years.
March:25:2008 - 15:02
Stop the Madness of Bukra Inshallah…I agree AbuSinan
Aseelah: “Mitah?”
Joab: “Bukrah Inshallah”
————————–
translation
Question: WHEN?
Answer: Tomorrow God Willing
March:25:2008 - 18:28
It’s disgusting.
I can only hope this will now get some media attention and she will be reunited with her husband soon. Like seriously Tomorrow!!!!
March:26:2008 - 07:58
I’m really amazed at the patience shown by Fatima and her husband;
I’m really appalled by the carelessness and indifference shown by the authorities in front of their situation.
And above all I feel helpless…