It’s a good time to not be a journalist in Saudi Arabia.
A female journalist has been sentenced to 60 lashes for her part in a show where a Saudi man aired his dirty laundry.
Mazen Abdul Jawad went on the show, “Bold Red Line,” and described his extra-martial sex life, including a tale about losing his virginity at 14.
“Bold Red Line” examines taboos in the Arab world. According to some, they went too far with Abdul Jawad’s episode, where unmarried sex amongst Saudis was discussed, one of the biggest taboos.
For airing his vices Abdul Jawad was sentenced to 5 years in prison and 1,000 lashes.
During the episode Abdul Jawad discussed in detail sex and foreplay, going so far as displaying his various sex toys and books.
Abdul Jawad’s friends, who appeared on the episode with him, were also arrested and sentenced to two years in prison each.
Here is video of the interview (make sure the closed captions are on in the bottom right hand corner):
About 100 people filed complaints about Abdul Jawad. Many claiming he violated Shariah principle by publicizing his vices. Shariah are the sacred laws taken from the Quran, which covers almost every aspect of life.
Even though the video clearly shows Abdul Jawad speaking openly and freely about his vices, he placed all blame on the shows producers. He claims they took his quotes out of context.
Take a look at the video yourself. I don’t see how the shows producers can be completely at fault. He was putting everything on display.
However, that being said I still do not agree with the punishment. 5 years of your life taken from you for airing your vices?
I understand they are conservative and to many this is a gross offense, but I sure am glad I live in a place where airing your vices isn’t punishable.
Tags: abdul jawad, bold red line, extra martial sex, journalist, lashings, pre martial sex, prison, saudi arabia, vices
