Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

nitpicker

(7,153 posts)
Wed Jan 9, 2019, 06:33 AM Jan 2019

Rahaf al-Qunun: Saudi woman 'given refugee status'

Source: BBC

28 minutes ago

A Saudi woman who fled her family and refused to leave a Bangkok hotel has been declared a legitimate refugee by the UN, the Australian government says. Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun, 18, refused to board a flight from Bangkok to Kuwait on Monday and barricaded herself into her airport hotel room. "he said she had renounced Islam, which is punishable by death in Saudi Arabia.

The UN's refugee agency has referred her case to Australia for possible resettlement.

Thai immigration officials had initially said she should return to Kuwait, where her family were waiting. She then started a social media campaign, live-tweeting her case and attracting international attention.

In a brief statement, Australia's Department of Home Affairs said it would "consider this referral in the usual way". "The government will be making no further comment on this matter," it said.
(snip)

Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-46806485

8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Rahaf al-Qunun: Saudi woman 'given refugee status' (Original Post) nitpicker Jan 2019 OP
Happy for her. iluvtennis Jan 2019 #1
I hope the news continues to be good for her. nt Ilsa Jan 2019 #2
But if you're a woman from a Saudi family -- or an Arab family generally, no_hypocrisy Jan 2019 #3
Post removed Post removed Jan 2019 #4
Things aren't only binary neohippie Jan 2019 #5
Thank you, you were much more gracious in your reply that I would've been uppityperson Jan 2019 #7
All religious groups have some who promote killing ROB-ROX Jan 2019 #6
never heard of pro-killing Unitarians or Baha'is, but maybe that's just me cvoogt Jan 2019 #8

no_hypocrisy

(46,080 posts)
3. But if you're a woman from a Saudi family -- or an Arab family generally,
Wed Jan 9, 2019, 07:34 AM
Jan 2019

are you truly and indefinitely safe? You've "dishonored" the family and they will never let you go. Your life will be in danger until the day you die.

Response to nitpicker (Original post)

neohippie

(1,142 posts)
5. Things aren't only binary
Wed Jan 9, 2019, 09:29 AM
Jan 2019

You seem to think there are only two choices here.

Life isn't binary. Nobody is saying there isn't room for criticism or that religion doesn't get hijacked and twisted by the fringes or frozen in misinterpretation by those unable to imagine their own view, who instead allow others to dictate meaning.

You could make similar criticisms in politics, or with Christianity, there will always be those who fail to see beyond their myopic view

ROB-ROX

(767 posts)
6. All religious groups have some who promote killing
Wed Jan 9, 2019, 10:37 AM
Jan 2019

This is just a known country which promotes violence when people disagree with their religious beliefs or behaviors. This country and others have religious leaders who promote violence or killing to support their beliefs. Satan does penetrate many religions to do EVIL. I am so happy this lady ESCAPED and I pray that others escape the religions that harm them in the future.

cvoogt

(949 posts)
8. never heard of pro-killing Unitarians or Baha'is, but maybe that's just me
Wed Jan 9, 2019, 12:00 PM
Jan 2019

let's not paint all religions with the same brush please

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Rahaf al-Qunun: Saudi wom...