Saudi threatens to arrest backers of women drivers

Saudi officials stepped up warnings over plans by women to challenge the male-only driving rules in the ultraconservative kingdom, saying that even online support for the protest could bring arrest.

The warnings came ahead of today’s planned protest by Saudi women activists who have obtained driver’s licences abroad. The internet has been a key tool in reaching out to international media and organising the demonstration, similar to one staged last year by a small group of women.

Though no specific Saudi law bans women from driving, the rules are enforced by Saudi clerics who hold far-reaching influence over the ruling monarchy and give it political legitimacy.