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Saudi Promo Video Labels Feminism, Atheism, Homosexuality as Extremist Ideas

Reuters

   DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - A promotional video published by Saudi
   Arabia's state security agency categorizes feminism, homosexuality and
   atheism as extremist ideas, even as the conservative Muslim kingdom
   seeks to promote tolerance and attract foreigners.

   The animated clip posted on Twitter at the weekend by a verified
   account of the State Security Presidency said "all forms of extremism
   and perversion are unacceptable."

   It listed those concepts alongside takfir -- the Islamist militant
   practice of labeling followers of other schools of Islam unbelievers.

   "Don't forget that excess of anything at the expense of the homeland is
   considered extremism," said the promo's voiceover.

   As part of plans to open up society and attract foreign investment to
   transform Saudi Arabia's oil-dependent economy, Crown Prince Mohammed
   bin Salman has pushed for a more moderate form of Islam and promoted
   nationalist sentiment.

   He has loosened social restrictions and launched a tourist visa and, as
   Saudi Arabia prepares to take over the presidency of the Group of 20
   countries next year, Riyadh has chipped away at a guardianship system
   that assigns each woman a male relative to approve important decisions
   throughout their lives.

   Threat of imprisonment

   But the authorities have also cracked down on dissent, arresting scores
   of critics including clerics, intellectuals and activists.

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