British Journalist Refuses to Accept Saudi Invitation in Solidarity with Detainees

A British journalist of Lebanese descent decided to refuse to accept a Saudi invitation to attend a conference, in solidarity with the women prisoners of conscience.

The newspaper, Zahraa Hanakeer, said in a tweet on Twitter that she had refused an invitation from the “Women20” forum to run the sessions of a conference to be held next month.

She tweeted: “I refused the invitation because I am in solidarity with the defenders of women’s rights in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and abroad, including Loujain Al-Hathloul, who is still in prison.”

Haneir reported a tweet to Lina, the sister of Loujain Al-Hathloul, in which she said that her parents visited her last month, and confirmed her entry on a hunger strike for six days, due to her being prevented from communicating with her family.

It is noteworthy that the “Women20” forum is affiliated with the G20, and aims to formulate and announce policies that promote gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.

Saudi Arabia has arrested dozens of activists for years, and accuses them of intelligence and espionage, without providing any real evidence, according to human rights organizations.

Source: EN24