2013-08-29 Guardian: Vaimon hakkaamisesta rikos Saudi-Arabiassa

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http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/29/saudi-arabia-law-domestic-violence-women

Saudi Arabia passes law against domestic violence

    Reuters in Dubai
    theguardian.com, Thursday 29 August 2013 16.55 BST   


(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/About/General/2013/8/29/1377791347976/Saudi-Arabia-violence-aga-010.jpg)
A poster from a campaign by the King Khalid Foundation to raise awareness in Saudi Arabia about violence against women. Photograph: King Khalid Foundation

Saudi Arabia has passed legislation aimed at protecting women, children and domestic staff against domestic abuse, a human rights official said on Thursday.

The protection from abuse law is the first of its kind in a country that has often been criticised for lacking legislation that protects women and domestic workers against abuse.

The law, which was approved during a cabinet meeting on 26 August, came several months after a local charity launched a nationwide campaign to combat violence against women.

Under the 17-article legislation, those found guilty of committing psychological or physical abuse could face prison sentences of up to one year and up to 50,000 riyals (£8,600) in fines.

"This is a good law that serves major segments of the society in the kingdom, including women, children, domestic workers and non-domestic workers," said Khaled al-Fakher, secretary general of the National Society for Human Rights, a government-licensed body.

Previously, domestic violence against women, children or workers was treated under a general penal code based on sharia law.

Judges were left to decide according to their understanding of sharia codes, which were seen as permitting mild violence against "disobedient" wives and generally treated domestic violence as a private matter.

"We are always in favour of an explicit law that does not need interpretations or personal judgment," said Fakher, whose organisation helped draft the law.

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