Tribal incompatibility: Judge grants divorce to couple

RIYADH — A judge cited tribal incompatibility as the reason to grant divorce to a couple, Al-Madina newspaper reported. The husband, who wished to remain anonymous, said the judge ruled for the divorce despite his wife’s willingness to remain married to him. “My wife and I want to stay married. We have a house and children and we do not want to have a divorce. I have called for human rights organizations but no one has responded to me,” said the husband. National Society for Human Rights General Secretary Khalid Al-Fakhry said the society cannot interfere if the case is sub-judice. “The defendants can still claim their rights. The case is not closed yet. The husband and the wife still have a chance to appeal. Our judicial system will protect the rights of the people and the case will not be ruled unjustly,” said Al-Fakhry. He also said the human rights organization do not have judicial authority. “We receive cases from individuals who feel wronged by the judicial authorities in the country. All we can do is look into the cases and offer consultation to the individual. We cannot repeal a verdict,” said Al-Fakhry. Legal consultant Saad Al-Wuhaibi said such cases should not be processed through the Saudi justice system, they should be sent to the higher authority. “It is up to the higher authority to accept or reject the case. The marriage contract in this case is valid and legal. The judge should not nullify the contract. However, judges at local courts sometimes look into the social norms in the area they are in,” said Al-Wuhaibi. He added there have been cases where the local court has ruled for the divorce of a couple due to tribal incompatibility but the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the marriage because it is legally valid.