Price of sharing pictures without hijab? For this Saudi woman it's jail time

Unfortunately, the kingdom has an ultra-conservative society. Photo courtesy: Twitter/ Moudhi90

The lives of Saudi women are plagued with all sorts of religious patriarchal diktats. They are not allowed to interact with men in public, try on clothing while shopping, and apply for a passport without the permission of their male guardian. However, what we are about to tell you, will make question the sanity of laws implemented in Saudi Arabia.

The state police of Riyadh arrested a woman called Malak Al Shehri earlier this week on charges of posting a picture of herself on Twitter without her hijab on. And not only that, she might also be lashed for her 'un-Islamic' move.

Saudi Arabia is a religious state, which takes Islamic laws pretty seriously. All women citizens are expected to cover their heads with a scarf, when stepping out of their homes. Shehri, however, decided to pose for a picture at one of the city's most famous cafes with her head uncovered. She further went on to post the same on Twitter, and all hell broke loose.

A Saudi woman went out yesterday without an Abaya or a hijab in Riyadh Saudi Arabia and many Saudis are now demanding her execution. pic.twitter.com/gPMOz5bRAr

- Anon (@dontcarebut) November 29, 2016

Also read: Iran is now imprisoning Instagram models for 'un-Islamic' pictures

The hardliners were offended and trolled her incessantly for her 'bold' move. But, things got worse when the authorities decided to intervene.

AFP reports state police spokesman Fawaz al-Maiman as saying that the kingdom acted in line with their duty to monitor 'violations of general morals'.

"Riyadh police stress that the action of this woman violates the laws applied in this country," Maiman said, urging the public to 'adhere to the teachings of Islam'.

Unfortunately, the kingdom has an ultra-conservative society, which refuses to adapt to the changing times. This was pretty evident with the nature of messages Shehri was attacked with on the social media. However, there were a few who stood by her, applauding her brave stance.

The more liberal sorts took to Twitter to demand justice for Shehri, asking others to join in. With the campaign #FreeMalakAlshehri gaining momentum in the country, let's hope the government sees some sense and releases Shehri.

#FreeMalakAlshehri her crime was taking off the black garbage bag that millions of women forced to wear in SAUDI ISIS ARABIA ! pic.twitter.com/5wfATd4c7y

- Moudhi (@Moudhi90) December 12, 2016

I invite all Saudi women to burn their Abaya as a sign of objection about Malak Alshehre's arrest #BurnYourAbaya

- Moudhi (@Moudhi90) December 12, 2016

Also read: Meet Ginella Massa, Canada's first hijab-clad TV anchor