(OTTAWA)--The Green Party of Canada stands in solidarity with Minister Freeland in calling for the immediate release of the women's rights activists Samar Badawi and Nassima al-Sadah.

Under the burgeoning leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken steps toward modernizing the Saudi Arabian economy and in dropping the censors which allow Western culture to enter the country, not to mention that a woman can now legally drive a car.

“But real modernization involves much more” said Ms. May. “There are no half-measures when it comes to human rights. A government must endure criticism and take proactive measures to eradicate abuses, especially systemic ones. If MBS is to become a true modernizer, he must not only move to free the Badawi siblings, and Nassima al-Sadah, and the dozen other so-called dissidents, but to recognize women as equals. I have enormous respect for the beauty and diversity of the Islamic tradition, but I cannot ignore how questionable readings of Islam have been used to justify discrimination against women. The Crown Prince must lead some major reformations to move this country forward.”

“This is also an opportune time for Canada to cancel the sale of the light-armoured vehicles to the Kingdom. We cannot close our eyes to the situation in Yemen and the targeting of the Houthis, which we indirectly contribute to with this sale. It is estimated that over 22 million Yemeni are in need of assistance making this one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises,” concluded Ms. May.

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For further information or to arrange an interview:

Rod Leggett

Press Secretary

Rod.leggett@greenparty.ca

613-562-4916 ext. 206