Saudi Arabia on Monday, 6 August 2018 said it has frozen new trades and investments with Canada, in protest at Canada’s calls for the release of jailed human rights activists. The kingdom expelled the Canadian ambassador and also recalled its envoy. Last week, Canadian government stated it’s concern over the arrest of human rights activists in the kingdom including Nassima al-Sadah and Samar Badawi (sister of jailed blogger Raif Badawi and award-winning gender rights activist).
According to the report, this is not the first time the Gulf Arab Kingdom is reacting to criticisms by foreign governments. In May, Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the suspension of new contracts to German companies, and recalled its ambassador after the German foreign minister made comments on political crisis in Lebanon. In 2015, Saudi Arabia recalled its envoy to Sweden and stopped issuing business visas to Swedes due to official criticism of its human rights record.
Source: Viewers Corner News.
