Thursday, March 31, 2011

Suit In Lebanon Attacks Politician For Criticizing Veiled Muslim Women

Lebanon's Daily Star reports on a lawsuit that has been filed in Beirut against Wiam Wahhab, leader of the Tawhid Party, by 70 Lebanese and Saudi women for remarks Wahhab made about Muslim women's veils. In a television interview earlier this month, Wahhab described Saudi women as being made to wear “black trash bags."  The lawsuit claims that Wahhab should be prosecuted for inciting religious hatred (Lebanon Penal Code Art. 317) and insulting religion (Lebanon Penal Code Art. 474). Plaintiffs also want the court to shut down the Tawhid Party.  Wahhab has apologized for his remarks, saying they were aimed a Saudi authorities for their oppressive treatment of women.