The Girl from Qatif

"A Saudi court sentenced a woman who had been gang raped to six months in jail and 200 lashes — more than doubling her initial penalty for being in the car of a man who was not a relative"

This is what we are dealing with in other parts of the world, people. As Americans it is so easy to only see our own world. America is very often portrayed as "individual" or as "only". We turn a blind eye and a closed heart on too many people in this world. Our sisters are suffering in immeasurable ways.

This woman got into a car with a male she went to high school with so that she could retrieve a picture. While in the car two other men got in. They drove to a location where this girl (19 years old) was raped by seven men.

She will spend six months in jail after being beaten within an inch of her life under direction of the court. It is illegal, under Saudi Arabia's interpretation of Islamic Sharia law, for a woman to accompany a man in public who is not related to her.

I do not mean to only show one side of this argument. The men were punished as well. The individuals will serve from 2 to 9 years in jail for their offense. I do not need to make a one sided argument to show the horror of this situation; it shines through even when you show both sides! This woman was brutalized and shamed by a group of men, and then received virtually the same treatment from the courts! They beat her and threw her in jail!

Women very often hide their rape and abuse because they feel shame and they fear it is their fault. This "justice system" is proving their fears true! It sends the message that it is the woman's fault because men cannot help themselves and she should have known not to provoke them.

The woman, known in the media as The Girl from Qatif, was represented by a lawyer who appealed the case, saying that the verdict was too lenient for the attackers and unjust for the victim. His license was revoked. This is what happens to those who are standing up for what is just! It can be so daunting and disheartening, but we must continue to pray and to donate and to fight!

Do a little research. See if you don't feel the fire under your butt to do something, anything. Your sisters are waiting for you.