Publications
Partners
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - A women's rights activist in Saudi Arabia says the authorities have released a woman detained for defying the ultra-conservative kingdom's ban on female drivers.
Waleed Aboul Khair says Manal al-Sherif, 32, was freed on Monday on an order from Saudi officials. She was detained on May 21 after posting an Internet video of her driving as part of a campaign for a mass protest against the restriction.
Al-Sherif had been ordered to remain in custody until at least early June.
The reason for the early release was not announced by the authorities but followed growing pressure from rights groups and others in Saudi Arabia and the West.
Waleed Aboul Khair says Manal al-Sherif, 32, was freed on Monday on an order from Saudi officials. She was detained on May 21 after posting an Internet video of her driving as part of a campaign for a mass protest against the restriction.
Al-Sherif had been ordered to remain in custody until at least early June.
The reason for the early release was not announced by the authorities but followed growing pressure from rights groups and others in Saudi Arabia and the West.
