By Joud Al-Amri

Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — The case of Rahaf Al-Qunun has been used by foreign politicians and media as a pretext to interfere in the Kingdom’s internal affairs.

Her case no longer remains within the boundaries of her family, but has instead become the talk of the world.

Many of Rahaf’s peers are worried today that their achievements might go to waste because of her case. They have demanded that strict laws should be enacted to combat all forms of violence or deprivation in order to deter others from taking the opportunity to seek asylum abroad or engage in disgraceful acts under the guise of freedom. Amani Muhammad, 23, a law student at King Abdulaziz University, called upon human rights organizations, the Ministry of Social Development and other pertinent bodies to impose strict punishments on those who perpetrate violence against women, persecute them or deprive them of their rights. Such measures should act as a deterrent to the likes of Rahaf from using Saudi traditions and social norms as a pretext to run away, she added.

“Rahaf’s case escalated from an internal family affair into an international political conflict. The foreign media used Rahaf as a bait for political gains and ignored the pains this girl had caused her family. The media used her naivety to achieve their goals,” Amani said

Although domestic violence can force some girls to run away, it is not a sufficient reason to do what Rahaf has done, Amani said, while calling upon the pertinent authorities to find drastic solutions to put an end to domestic violence and make sure that it does not become a reason for girls to run away from their families and flee abroad.

The Saudi government does all it can to make the social life of the citizens comfortable, she added.

Amal Al-Zahrani, 17, said Rahaf’s action could destroy many of the achievements made by Saudi women. Her actions are disgraceful and against religious norms and Saudi values.

They might also have a negative influence on many Saudi girls, she added.

“I believe that the Saudi and Gulf women now enjoy a more luxurious lifestyle than women in many other societies. In the past, women did not have job opportunities and chances to complete their studies but today the situation has changed. Rahaf’s running away might make the international community to believe that Saudi women are not qualified enough and cannot hold leadership roles and gain more freedom,” she said.

Salwa Khalid, 20, said she was a victim of domestic violence in the past and but she reacted differently. Her parents got separated when she was three years old and she was subjected to violence at the hands of her aunt and cousins. Her father suffered health problems and her mother could not win her custody.

Salwa said she faced a lot of problems because of negligence and she thought of running away from home but she did not do it and decided to put up with the whole situation. Her patience paid off when she turned 17 years old and she was able to demand her rights and defend herself and make her own decisions.

“If I had run away back then, I would not have gotten any good opportunities to complete my studies. Many girls are not aware of the fact that running away is not the solution,” said Salwa.