Saudi Arabia expels Canadian ambassador

Saudi Arabia has expelled Canada's ambassador and suspended new investment and trade agreements with this state, accusing Ottawa of interfering in domestic affairs.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will not accept intervention in domestic affairs”, the Foreign Ministry said on August 5th, after the Canadian Embassy in Riyadh has called for the release of several imprisoned activists.

Saudi Arabia will display all new transactions in trade with Canada, preserving its right to make further decisions”, is said in the statement.

The Kingdom has given Canadian representatives 24 hours to leave the country while demanding the return of its ambassador from Canada.

Canada's Foreign Office has issued a statement on August 3rd, in which it said that “Canada is deeply concerned about the arrests of members of civil society and women's rights to Saudi Arabia, including Samar Badawi.

“We call on Saudi Arabia to release them immediately and all other peaceful human rights activists” is said among other things in the statement.

Marie-Pierre Baril, spokeswoman for Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, has said on August 5th, that Ottawa is “deeply disturbed” following Saudi actions.

Human Rights Monitor (HRW) said on August 1st that Saudi authorities have arrested two prominent women's rights activists.

This observer has identified women like Badawi and Nassima al-Sadah, who for years have been campaigning for women's rights, seeking, among other things, direction of the car.

The heir to the throne, Saudi Prince Muhammad bin Salman, had promised to open up the conservative state economy and facilitate cultural policies. /rel