It was recently reported that a Lon Angeles based Saudi diplomat is seeking asylum in the United States under the pretext that he faces persecution if he is returned to Saudi Arabia.
Already dismissed from the consulate, the diplomat is gay and, needless to say, gays are not treated to kindly under Wahhabi doctrine (or Christian and Jewish doctrine for that matter).
The diplomat says he fears for his life. Admittedly Saudi laws are homophobic and gays do face persecution, but I was skeptical when I read this story. Because the Saudi elite are often exempt from the harsh laws of the kingdom and this Saudi diplomat belongs to one of the royal families. There are known gay members of the royal family who do not hide their sexuality and are not disowned let alone subject to prosecution. I thought this diplomat feared for some other reason (he was charged with being a spy for Israel or leaking information to Israel) and was solely using the pretext of being gay and the alleged awaiting prosecuting to seek asylum. Of course, I do not really know but that is my speculation.
But I am growing suspicion still now given this recent news:
“A Saudi prince accused of murdering his servant in Britain could face the death penalty in his homeland over charges of homosexuality, a London court heard Friday.”
Is this becoming a phase now? Whenever a Saudi does not want to return home for whatever reason he claims he’s gay and uses that to stay in the host nation? So they commit crimes – treason or murder – but then appeal to liberal sensibilities to avoid justice simply because they’re gay. Allow me a pun: That is so gay!
It seems to be becoming a trend and raises questions. And an obnoxious one at that and a real affront to gay rights since it is a cynically manipulation of rights in order to serve as an undeserved shield for genuine wrongdoing.
