The case of Mohammad Al-Harbi, the high school teacher charged with mocking religion and sentenced to three years in prison and 750 lashes, has not attracted attention only in the local press. Both Saudi columnists and the Saudi street in general strongly attacked what is widely seen as a harsh and unjust sentence. The case has been a prime topic on Saudi Internet forums with Saudis of both sexes from all over the country joining in the discussions. The majority showed deep concern, not simply for Al-Harbi but also for other important factors that have been raised as a result of the case’s publicity. Many Saudis asked about the efficiency and fairness of the Saudi legal system; others severely criticized the absence of the Ministry of Education’s participation in a case that not only affects a teacher’s career but also affects the future of Saudi students who are apparently being taught by some teachers who sympathize with terrorists. A Saudi living in Canada was so moved by the case that he got Al-Harbi’s permission to set up a website dedicated to the case. (The version for English speakers is: www.malharbi.com/en/home.html). The site not only gives people the full story which has been in the local media but it also provides substantial background information about Al-Harbi and his struggle with his fundamentalist colleagues at the school in Al-Qassim region. Those who visit the site have the option of posting their comments in the guest book. There is also an online petition requesting the Saudi authorities to intervene directly in Al-Harbi’s case.
The website includes information on cases similar to Al-Harbi’s — specifically those pertaining to Dr. Hamza Al-Maziani and another Saudi teacher, Mohammad Al-Suhaimi. Dr. Al-Maziani, accused by one of his colleagues of defaming him and of saying that the Islamic textbooks used at King Saud University were radical, was sentenced to four months in prison and 275 lashes. His sentence, however, was subsequently overturned by Crown Prince — now King — Abdullah.
Al-Suhaimi was sentenced to three years in prison and 700 lashes. He was allegedly guilty of encouraging his students to indulge in homosexual activities and to commit adultery. According to Al-Suhaimi he told his students that love was a noble thing. When asked by a student if love was not all about marriage, he replied that in a typical Saudi marriage in which the couple does not know each other well before the ceremony, the emotions tend to be amiability and compassion. Al-Suhaimi is still waiting for his sentence to be carried out or, as he hopes, for it to be overruled by the king.
Conspicuously absent in all the controversy in the media and on the Internet is the National Society for Human Rights (NSHR).
| They're saving themselves for more important things. |