Saudi Arabia: King Warns Newspapers Over Photos Of Women

Published: May 17, 2006
New York Times

King Abdullah has told Saudi editors to stop publishing photographs of women because they could lead young men ''astray,'' newspapers reported. The king's directive, made in a meeting with local editors, caused surprise because he has been regarded as a quiet reformer since he took office last August. In recent months, newspapers have published pictures of women -- always wearing the traditional Muslim head scarf -- to illustrate articles, usually about women's issues. The papers have also started publishing a range of views on causes that are not generally accepted in Saudi Arabia, such as women having the right to drive and vote.