Yes, it is against the law for a woman to drive in Saudi Arabia. So when the woman in question happened upon a police car, she tried to make a run for it.
Hat tip, Israellycool.
A woman has been arrested in Mecca in Saudi Arabia for driving a car.
Police gave chase after she was spotted at the wheel of a 4×4 car, the English daily Arab News reported. She was arrested after hitting another car.
Women are prohibited from driving on all public roads in Saudi Arabia, a ban that has triggered several high-profile protests by women’s rights activists.
The woman’s name and nationality have not been announced. Only Muslims are permitted in the holy city of Mecca.
Police arrested the woman, in her 20s, early on Wednesday morning after the car she was driving crashed into another, said Maj Abdul Muhsin al-Mayman, spokesman for Mecca police.
He did not identify the name or nationality of the woman but said she was caught driving a Lexus.
“The woman tried to escape when she saw a police car and in the process hit another car, which was slightly damaged,” he said.
The spokesman said the woman driver was handed over to the Prosecution and Investigation Commission for investigation.
Add women drivers to the List of Things That Offend Muslims.
But not to worry, the auto industry is working a way around the problem.
Yann Lassade of General Motors GM.N in Dubai said its new Cadillac was being marketed in Saudi Arabia for the first time with female buyers in mind—but not those who drive.
The Cadillac comes with special control mechanisms in the rear seat for everything but the steering wheel. ‘The new design is perfect for a chauffeur-driven car, with all the space and controls at the back seat,’ Lassade said.
Previous: Saudi Woman Arrested for Driving
Here's a video from last year. Wajeha Al-Huwaider, a Saudi women recorded herself driving and posted it on youtube for Woman's Day 2008.
Here's the other side of the argument. Saudi Cleric Dr. Abd Al-'Aziz Al-Fawzan Explains Why Women Should Not Be Allowed to Drive.
With a straight face and a wagging finger to boot.
