Saudi labels feminism, atheism, homosexuality as 'extremist ideas'

A promotional video was shared by Saudi Arabia's state security agency that reportedly categorised feminism, homosexuality, and atheism as "extremist ideas". The animated video clip was posted on Twitter during the weekend by a verified account of the State Security Presidency which said all forms of extremism and distortion are unacceptable. The promo's voiceover said, "excess of anything at the cost of the homeland" is considered extremism. It noted down the concepts of takfir the Islamist militant practice of labelling followers of other schools of Islam as "unbelievers".

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Saudi Arabia seeks to promote tolerance and attract foreigners

Considered to be a conservative Muslim kingdom, Saudi  Arabia seeks to promote tolerance and attract foreigners. It has plans to open up the society and attract foreign investment to modernize Saudi Arabia's oil-dependent economy. Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince has pushed for a more liberal form to follow Islam and promoted nationalist sentiment. He has taken steps to decrease the social restrictions and came up with a tourist visa card as Saudi Arabia readies itself to take over the presidency of the Group of 20 countries next year. Riyadh has recently banned the guardianship system that assigns each woman a male relative to take important decisions throughout their lives. The authorities also shut up the dissent of critics including clerics, intellectuals and activists.

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Women rights advocate take into police custody

As many as 12 women's rights advocates were taken into police custody before a ban on women driving was imposed. After a lengthy legal battle was fought for it, the ban was eventually lifted last year. The activists and diplomats believe that some reforms would happen only at the government's initiative. The public prosecutor has said that the women were arrested under suspicions of harming Saudi interests and offering support to foreign elements abroad. Some of the charges relate to their work on women's rights and activism. Saudi claims that the supporting groups whom they see as extremist organisations can lead to imprisonment. Homosexuality and atheism have been illegal for a long time and its punishment can exceed up to death sentence in the absolute monarchy where the public protests and political parties are banned and the media is tightly regulated.

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