Saudi woman on trial for driving car

A Saudi woman is to face trial for defying the country’s ban on female drivers.

Najalaa Harrir was summoned for questioning by the prosecutor general in Jeddah on the same day that Saudi King Abdullah introduced reforms giving women the right to vote and run in local elections four years from now.

Ms Harrir is one of dozens of Saudi female activists behind a campaign called “My Right, My Dignity” that is aimed at ending discrimination against women, including the driving ban, in the ultra-conservative Islamic country.

She recently appeared in a TV show while driving her car in Jeddah.