The C.R.I.M.E. Report

ISSUE #16 CONTENTS:


SPOTLIGHT CASES:

Can't Buy Me Love: Valentine's Day Banned in Saudi Arabia

Everywhere you look, love is in the air - except in Saudi Arabia. While people around the world celebrate Valentine's Day on Thursday, residents of Saudi Arabia are banned by law from participating. Roses have disappeared from the flower stands, and simply wearing red could get you arrested.

The Saudi religious police, commonly referred to as Muttawa, have enforced a ban on Valentine's Day because of its original connection to Saint Valentine. During the month of February, public items pertaining to love and romance are banned. The color red, festive candy, roses and hearts are prohibited, creating a unique underground Valentine’s scene for those who want to celebrate.

Many Saudi citizens - as well as foreign residents - oppose the government’s ruling and buck the ban. Romance takes on a new twist when spoiling your sweetheart requires dodging the law and dipping into the black market. But that’s what you have to do if you want to spread the love.



Civil Rights Activists Brief Congress

Repression of individual rights by autocratic regimes in the Middle East is not simply a concern for human rights experts, a panel of Middle Eastern reformers told Congress last Friday.

"State oppression actually fuels radicalism, as young people frustrated with stagnation in their societies are drawn to extremist groups recruiting in every city across the region," explained Nasser Weddady of HAMSA. "The challenge before us is to encourage these young people instead to join the grassroots civil rights movement."

Weddady was joined at the Capitol Hill briefing for members of Congress by Mansour Al Haj of the Aafaq reformist website and Ammar Abdulhamid of the Tharwa Foundation (and"Dream Deferred Essay Contest" celebrity judge).

Weddady encouraged Congressional representatives and staffers to get more involved in supporting civil rights activists under fire: "These young people are speaking out for basic freedoms, yet are often getting harassed and arrested. Solidarity from members of Congress can help protect them and hold regimes accountable."



Free Fouad! Protest at Saudi Embassy

It is now two months since leading Saudi blogger Fouad Al-Farhan was arrested and held without charge by Saudi officials. To mark the grim anniversary, students and activists held a vigil outside the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Washington on Saturday.

"I don’t want to be forgotten in jail," Fouad wrote shortly before his arrest. The demonstrators gathered to honor this request and to urge the Saudi regime to allow Fouad to return to his young children. The "Free Fouad" campaign hopes this will be the first of several protests around the world.

Fouad has been detained since December 10 at an undisclosed location. The Saudi Interior Ministry arrested him after he refused to apologize for blog posts criticizing Saudi officials. You can help secure his release from jail. Join with over 1,200 other people from around the world and send a letter to both Saudi and American officials.

Quiz: How can you get training in nonviolent activism?
Via HAMSA's upcoming seminar. Civil rights advocates from around the world have developed effective nonviolent techniques for challenging repression and protecting individual rights. But for the Middle East's new civil rights movement to succeed, your support is needed. In April, HAMSA will be holding a four-day training seminar
for young Middle Easterners. Spots are limited; if you are interested in participating, email conferences@hamsaweb.org.

BECOME A PARTNER IN CRIME:
Here is a list of four quick ways you contribute to the Middle East civil rights movement: