Saudi Prince to Liberal Bro: Stop Spreading Vice

Country applies 2006 law

(AP) - Saudi Arabia says starting Thursday, only females can work in women's lingerie stores. The 2006 law banning men from working in female apparel and cosmetic stores has never been put into effect, partly due to hard-liners in the religious establishment who oppose the whole idea of women working where men and women congregate together, like malls. Saudi's Arabia's most senior cleric, Sheik Abdul-Aziz Al Sheikh, spoke out against the decision in a recent sermon, saying it contradicts Islamic law. More»

Paralyzed victim wants attacker to suffer the same fate

(NEWSER) - An eye for an eye—a spine for a spine? A judge in Saudi Arabia has been asking hospitals whether or not they can sever the spinal cord of a man convicted of paralyzing another man in an attack with a cleaver, the AP reports. At least one hospital has refused on ethical grounds. The victim's brother says "blood money" will not be an acceptable alternative. More»

(NEWSER) - The days of 8-year-olds getting married in Saudi Arabia may be numbered. Spurred by international hostility toward the marriage of a girl that age to a 50-year-old man, the nation is considering a ban on marriage for those under 18, Reuters reports. Such a restriction is “among the options that are available,” the Saudi justice minister said. “A girl below 18 is often not fit to take the family responsibility especially if she quickly gives birth.” Meanwhile, the 8-year-old girl in the celebrated case has been allowed to divorce. More»

(NEWSER) - A 75-year-old Syrian woman faces 40 lashes and 4 months in prison for mingling with two men in Saudi Arabia, CNN reports. Khamisa Mohammed Sawadi will also be deported for allowing the men to enter her home last year. The men, sentenced to lashings as well, told police that Sawadi had breastfed one of them, which made their visit religiously correct. But a judge found no evidence of breastfeeding. More»

Prince about-faces, claims case is being used against country

(NEWSER) - Courts will take another look at the sentence of a gang-rape victim, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister said yesterday, following an international outcry when the 19-year-old was handed a six-month prison term and 200 lashes. “What is outraging about this case is that it is being used against the Saudi government and people,” said Prince Saud al-Faisal. More»