What's New

Resources updated between Monday, August 21, 2017 and Sunday, August 27, 2017

August 25, 2017

August 24, 2017

Video still of 14 year old Saudi Arabian boy dancing the Macarena

A 14-year-old boy in Saudi Arabia was arrested by authorities after a year-old video emerged of him dancing to the Spanish-language song the "Macarena" in the port city of Jeddah.

In a statement, authorities confirmed they had arrested the teenager on grounds of "improper public behavior" and for disrupting traffic.

During the 45-second video, the teenager, wearing a striped T-shirt, gray sports shorts, and brightly colored shoes walks to the middle of a crossing and starts dancing to the song in front of five cars waiting at the traffic lights.

Despite Saudi Arabia being known for its ultra conservative Islamic attitudes towards anything sexually suggestive, the country claimed the incident was merely a safety risk and asked his guardians to sign a pledge before his release.

"They signed a written pledge that the teen will not engage in behavior that could endanger his life and the life of others again," the ministry said. "The notification was solely intended to warn the boy about potential consequences for his own safety, as well as to safeguard the overall safety of motorists and pedestrians."

According to the Saudi Okaz newspaper, the boy simply "was showing off" as part of a stunt to impress his friends.

This month, police arrested Saudi singer Abdallah Al Shahanifor for using the "dab" move during a performance at a music festival in the city of Taif in south-western Saudi Arabia, a dance move which involves pointing one's arm upwards whilst also bowing their head into their other arm. He was later released.

In July, a young woman was arrested for wearing "suggestive clothing" after a Snapchat video emerged of her wearing a miniskirt. She was also released without charge.

Saudi Arabia is notorious for its regressive treatment of women, where Sharia Law dictates that women must not freely interact with men, drive a car, practice sports, or even go for a swim. All women must also wear a hijab, while many are forced to wear burqas, where only their eyes are visible.

Teenager Arrested in Saudi Arabia for Dancing the 'Macarena' Document

Iranian soldiers flying on an Iranian commercial air flight to Syria

Iran Caught Shipping Soldiers to Syria on Commercial Flights in Violation of Nuclear Deal Article

August 23, 2017

August 22, 2017

Palestinians rioting against security measures on the Temple Mount

UN Equates Stabbing a Jewish Family to Death with Defending Against Palestinian Riots Development

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon (File photo)

Danon: UN Human Rights chief 'world's most senior BDS activist' Article

President Trump and Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas (File photo)

Palestinians' Ultimatum to Trump Team: Pressure Israel or They Will Seek Full Membership at the UN Article

August 21, 2017

UN High commissioner for Human Rights, Jordanian Zeid Ra-ad Al Hussein (File photo)

U.S. pushing to quash U.N. 'blacklist' of firms doing business in Israeli settlements Article

Majid-Mahmood with some of his Facebook comments (Campaign Against Antisemitism)

British lawyer who called Jews 'Satans love childs' given 12 months suspension for antisemitic comments on Facebook Article

Victims being treated after the Barcelona terror attack, August 17, 2017

What Europe can learn from Israel in its war against vehicle attacks and lone wolf terror Article

A Palestinian child pretending to be a suicide bomber

U.N. plants the seeds of terrorism Article

The knife used in the attempted stabbing, August 19, 2017

Palestinian teen tries to stab Israeli officer in West Bank Document

Violent demonstrations in Charlottesville, Virginia

UN accused of double standard in warning about racism in America Article