British-Saudi woman 'held in a cage for four years'
British-Saudi woman 'held in a cage for four years'
A Saudi man is accused of imprisoning his daughter due to a disagreement about her lifestyle choices.
2 min read
Saudi authorities have not recognised Miss al-Jeffery's status as a UK national [AFP]
A British woman has been held in a cage in Saudi Arabia for four years by her father because of his disapproval of her lifestyle, a UK court heard this week.
Amina al-Jeffery, a 21-year-old dual national who was born in the UK, was whisked away from her home in Wales four years ago and taken to the Gulf state by her father Mohammad al-Jeffery.
London's High Court heard that Mr al-Jeffrey, 62, has allegedly barred his daughter from using the internet, telephone and bathroom.
Lawyers representing Miss al-Jeffery also claimed that she has been subjected to physical violence and food deprivation.
It was said that Mr al-Jeffery is subjecting his daughter to this abuse because he disagreed with her lifestyle and wants to control her relationships.
The hearing was part of a bid by lawyers representing Miss al-Jeffery to assist her in her situation.
"Steps need to be taken to ensure Miss Jeffery is returned to the UK where her safety can be guaranteed," the Foreign Office's Forced Marriage Unit was quoted by the Independent as having said.
The office added that Miss al-Jeffery's status as a British national was not recognised by Saudi authorities.
Anne-Marie Hutchinson, a lawyer acting on behalf of Miss al-Jeffery, said: "She is a normal Welsh girl and still has her Welsh accent".
"She wants to return home so she can have control of her own life and make her own choices".
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