[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 13, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E301]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING LOUJAIN AL-HATHLOUL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOIS FRANKEL

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 13, 2019

  Ms. FRANKEL. Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of Loujain al-
Hathloul, a Saudi women's rights activist and political prisoner who 
stands trial today in Saudi Arabia. Loujain has been imprisoned for her 
political activism, including for women's equality under the law. She 
was arrested in May 2018, along with a dozen other peaceful women's 
rights advocates. These activists have been held as prisoners, and have 
reportedly faced torture and abuse, including sexual violence, 
beatings, and electric shocks.
  Loujain was arrested for her advocacy on behalf of an end to the male 
guardianship system and the ban on women driving. Fighting for women's 
rights is a fundamental American value that we have long championed 
worldwide. Today marks the first day of her sham trial. She has been 
denied a lawyer and any real form of defense against the Saudi 
government. The United States cannot stand by and watch while justice 
and democracy are devalued by our partners. We must hold the Saudi 
government accountable for such human rights violations.
  That is why I introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning Saudi 
Arabia's continued detention and alleged abuse of women's rights 
activists. Saudi Arabia must release these advocates and end the 
discriminatory male guardianship system that restricts women's 
decisions about their livelihood. Let this serve as a reminder to the 
world that women's rights are human rights.

                          ____________________