TV presenter flees Saudi Arabia amid ‘indecent dress’ probe

A TV reporter has fled Saudi Arabia after authorities accused her of dressing “indecently” for a broadcast about the end of the country ban on women driving.

The Muslim kingdom has launched an investigation into Shereen al-Rifaie, who works for Dubai-based Al Aan TV, amid claims that she violated the dress code for women.

Rifaie was reporting on the lifting of the ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia when her white abaya - a loose-fitting, full-length robe - was blown open by the wind to reveal white trousers and a white top below.

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The Saudi General Commission for Audiovisual Media said the footage of the incident came to its attention after circulating on social media, reports Haaretz.

The clip sparked outrage online, with critics using the Arabic hashtag “naked_woman_driver_in_Riyadh”, says the BBC.

Following the launch of the probe, Rifaie shared an image on Snapchat of a plane ticket and her passport, indicating that she fled the country. She is quoted by Saudi news site Ajel as saying: “I was wearing decent clothes, and God will reveal the truth of what has been said to me.”

Ajel claims she has returned to the United Arab Emirates.

Under Saudi dress code, women must wear an abaya and hijab - a traditional Muslim headscarf - when out in public. Foreign women do not have to wear a hijab, but must wear an abaya. This dress code is legally imposed and, if broken, can lead to prosecution.