Dubai:
A Saudi activist says at least five women have been taken into custody accused of defying the men-only driving rule in the ultraconservative Arab kingdom.
The detentions mark the first major backlash by Saudi authorities since a campaign was launched nearly two weeks ago to challenge the driving restrictions.
Dozens of women have since driven through the capital Riyadh and other cities.
Saudi-based rights activist Eman al-Nafjan says police detained a woman Tuesday while driving in Jiddah on the Red Sea coast. Al-Nafjan says four other women accused of driving were later detained in the city.
Al-Nafjan spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday. She says there has been no new information on the status of the detainees.
The detentions mark the first major backlash by Saudi authorities since a campaign was launched nearly two weeks ago to challenge the driving restrictions.
Dozens of women have since driven through the capital Riyadh and other cities.
Saudi-based rights activist Eman al-Nafjan says police detained a woman Tuesday while driving in Jiddah on the Red Sea coast. Al-Nafjan says four other women accused of driving were later detained in the city.
Al-Nafjan spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday. She says there has been no new information on the status of the detainees.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
