World Leaders Mourn Saudi Oil Monarch as ‘Strong Advocate for Women’ · Global Voices
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London, United Kingdom. 7th January 2015 — Flags at half mast on the roof of the Ministry of Defence which has had close ties to Saudi Arabia — Flags on UK Government buildings were at half mast to mourn King Abdullah, head of the controversial theocratic regime in Saudi Arabia, who died. Saudi Arabia's human rights record has been regularly criticised by campaigners. Photograph by: Andy Thornley. Copyright: Demotix
Saudi Embassies around the world are asking western leaders to moderate their tributes a bit, ‘just to sound credible’.
— Karl Sharro (@KarlreMarks) January 23, 2015
This tweet by satirist Karl Sharro doesn't sound too far fetched considering the outpour of seemingly unmitigated praise for King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, who died on January 23, 2015.
Most notably, Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), called the late King, who held four of his daughters in captivity, a “strong advocate for women” in an interview to Reuters. In a statement, she also adds:
He was a global statesman who was admired not only in Saudi Arabia, but around the world. He strongly believed in global cooperation and worked hard toward this goal. At home, he implemented many important and difficult changes that have strengthened the economy of Saudi Arabia. He leaves a considerable legacy.
In a White House statement, US President Barack Obama said “King Abdullah's vision was dedicated to the education of his people and to greater engagement with the world”, while Secretary of State John Kerry mourned him as a “revered leader” in a tweet.
King Abdullah was a man of wisdom & vision. US has lost a friend & Kingdom of #SaudiArabia, Middle East, and world has lost a revered leader
— John Kerry (@JohnKerry) January 23, 2015
However, the most unexpected and bizarre message came from none other than actress Lindsay Lohan who reportedly posted, then deleted, an Instagram photo of the King along with a message in Arabic that said “I love you” and “you are my whole world”.
Several Arab countries have announced a period of mourning. In the UK, government buildings, with the notable the exception of Scotland, the Union Jack was even flown at half-mast.
#بريطانيا تنكس أعلامها إلى نصف الصاري، حداداً على #وفاة_الملك_عبدالله. pic.twitter.com/Cd2stX5yMj
— Saudi Embassy UK (@SaudiEmbassyUK) January 25, 2015
The United Kingdom flies its flag at half mast to mourn the death of King Abdullah
Such a sign of deference sparked the outrage of many including British Member of Parliament Sarah Wollaston (@drwollastonmp), who tweeted:
Flying the Union Flag at half mast is hugely symbolic. #NotInMyName given the appalling human rights abuses in Saudi
— Sarah Wollaston MP January 24, 2015
English author and politician Louise Mensch added:
It is so unacceptable to offer deep condolences for a man who flogged women, didn't let them drive, saw guardian laws passed, & STARVES THEM
— Louise Mensch (@LouiseMensch) January 23, 2015
Human rights activist Peter Tatchell wrote:
Shame on @David_Cameron & @BritishMonarchy for deferring to #Saudi tyrants & showing respect for dictator #KingAbdullah >>> #NotInMyName
— Peter Tatchell (@PeterTatchell) January 25, 2015
Women are not allowed to drive and cannot leave the country without permission from their “guardians” in the conservative kingdom whose distressing record of human rights violations includes the public flogging of Saudi blogger Raif Badawi, who is deemed “guilty” of founding an online forum for public debate and for “insulting Islam.”
World leaders and high level officials from across the globe flocked to Riyadh to pay their respects. The Prince of Wales and David Cameron landed in the Saudi capital on January 25.
Prince of Wales and PM @David_Cameron in #Riyadh to pay tribute to late #KingAbdullah. pic.twitter.com/1aeB2Lilvw
— Saudi Embassy UK (@SaudiEmbassyUK) January 25, 2015
And US president Barack Obama cut short a trip to India to visit the Saudi kingdom.
President Obama will go to #SaudiArabia Tuesday to pay respects to King Salman bin Abdulaziz & family of late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz
— @NSCPress (@NSCPress) January 24, 2015
King Abdullah's successor is his half-brother, 79 year-old Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, who has changed his Twitter handle from @HRHPSalman to @KingSalman on the day of his predecessor's death.
رحم الله عبدالله بن عبدالعزيز وجزاه عن شعبه خير الجزاء، وأحسن عزاء الشعب السعودي في فراقه.
— سلمان بن عبدالعزيز (@KingSalman) January 23, 2015
May Allah have mercy on Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and reward him and help the Saudi people on his loss
Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, 90, who came to power in August 2005, after the death of his half-brother Fahad bin Abdulaziz, is now succeeded by his other brother Salman bin Abdulaziz, who is 79. They are all the sons of King Abdulaziz, who founded Saudi Arabia in 1932, and have been ascending the throne in succession over the years. Abdulaziz had 45 sons of whom 36 survived to adulthood and had children of their own.