Saudi Arabian students studying in Victoria could be heading home early because of their country鈥檚 strange overreaction to a Canadian government tweet.
Although sa国际传媒 might feel some pain from the dispute, it should stick by its principles.
Global Affairs sa国际传媒 sent out a tweet criticizing the Middle Eastern nation for arresting and detaining two female bloggers and activists. It urged Saudi officials to release the women and 鈥渁ll peaceful human rights activists.鈥�
sa国际传媒 doesn鈥檛 usually pick fights with other countries, but Saudi Arabia immediately took offence to what it saw as interference in its internal affairs. It promised to freeze new trade agreements, cut service to sa国际传媒 on Saudia Airlines and kicked out sa国际传媒鈥檚 ambassador. It also plans to cancel scholarships for thousands of young people studying abroad, including in sa国际传媒
That seems like overkill, especially from a country whose new leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is pushing reforms and painting his nation as 鈥渢he next Europe.鈥� However, despite allowing women to drive, the kingdom has a poor record on human rights.
The Canadian tweet put the Saudis on notice that it will not forget those who are imprisoned for exercising rights that all Canadians take for granted.
sa国际传媒 was right to call out the Saudis, in keeping with our values. It should not back down.
