Divorce row leaves Aussie woman stranded in Riyadh
M. Ghazanfar Ali Khan; 21/9/08
The Australian ambassador to Saudi Arabia told Arab News yesterday that the mission is “rendering all possible consular assistance” to a woman who is unable to leave the Kingdom due the messy repercussions of a divorce. The woman, who has complained that the Australian government isn’t helping her, also claims that she has been threatened by arrest for showing her face to a neighbor. “Embassy officials will be meeting her later in the day with a view to provide her full support,” said Australian Ambassador R. Kevin Magee. “I can’t confirm or deny the report of her possible detention by the local police, but our consular staff are committed and are extending all necessary support to the woman.” Australia’s Foreign Affairs Department reportedly told the woman two months ago it could not help her in winning custody of her children. The husband, also an Australian citizen, has reportedly filed for custody of the four children in a Saudi court. The woman claims he has also taken her passport and may have left Riyadh for an unknown destination inside the Kingdom. According to the Adelaide Advertizer, the woman was denied shelter at the Australian Embassy.
Tags: Australia, Marriage, Saudi Arabia