A young Saudi woman has barricaded herself into a hotel in Thailand, saying that she has fled from abusive relatives and will be killed if sent back home. Her claims have caught the attention of human rights campaigners.
Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun, 18, a Saudi national, says she intended to seek asylum in Australia but Saudi and Kuwaiti officials forcibly confiscated her documents in Bangkok airport on Sunday.
She is currently said to have barricaded herself in a hotel room in the airport’s transit zone, and is facing deportation to her home country. Thai immigration officials have indicated that she will be sent back on Monday.
In a video shared on social media, al-Qunun said that she will not leave the room until she has a meeting with UN officials.
The woman told AFP she had escaped from physical and psychological abuse that she suffers at the hands of her family. She fears that she will be jailed upon returning home or even killed.
“My family is strict and locked me in a room for six months just for cutting my hair,” al-Qunun said.
“I'm sure 100 percent they will kill me as soon as I get out of the Saudi jail.”
Also on rt.com Secret divorce is history now! Saudi women to learn they’re single again via…SMS?!Her fears are backed by Human Rights Watch. The organization’s Deputy Asia Director Phil Robertson blasted the Thai authorities for their “heartless lack of concern” for al-Qunun’s wellbeing.
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Source : RT - Daily news
Saudi woman barricades herself in Thai hotel fearing relatives will kill her at home
Saudi woman barricades herself in Thai hotel fearing relatives will kill her at home
