The witch-trials in 16th and 17th century Europe are considered as a response to modernity. Change is scary and people like to find escape goats. Saudi Arabia is also facing its extremes. Just last year, it inaugurated King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) - promising liberties for students unheard of in the Kingdom and offering cutting-edge education to the youth. When a cleric criticized the co-ed nature of the university, he was promptly removed via a Royal decree. But it seems that medieval-style barbarism, as evidence by its "witchcraft" trial, is also not too far from the surface. Change is indeed coming. But this trial shows that the road is going to be a bumpy one.
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Amnesty has an Urgent Action appeal. Everyone should take part.
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