Saudi Arabia expels Canadian ambassador, freezes all ties, recalls own envoy
Riyadh, Aug 6 (IBNS): Citing interference in its internal matters, Saudi Arabia has expelled the Canadian ambassador and freezes all bilateral ties..
Amid growing tension, the Middle Eastern country has also recalled its own envoy from Canada.
Last week, Canada had expressed grave concern about the arrest of human rights activists, including Saudi-American women's rights campaigner Samar Badawi, by Saudi authorities.
Demanding release of the activists, Canada's Foreign Ministry had tweeted: "Canada is gravely concerned about additional arrests of civil society and women’s rights activists in #SaudiArabia, including Samar Badawi. We urge the Saudi authorities to immediately release them and all other peaceful #humanrights activists."
Responding to Canada's request, Saudi Arabia said it was an attack on the kingdom and has granted the Canadian ambassador 24 hours after considering the latter persona non grata.
It said that Saudi Arabia reserves the right to take further action.
Meanwhile, the recent arrests have undone the progress the country achieved under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Under the Prince, Saudi Arabia has allowed women to drive cars and have brought in a host of women friendly changes.
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