Mum loses custody of daughter, 4, for 'being too Western'
A mum has lost custody of her daughter for “being too Western”.
Bethany Vierra, 32, from the US, moved to Saudi Arabia in 2011 but recently divorced her husband, CNN reports.
Ms Vierra sought custody of their daughter Zaina, 4, but a Saudi court denied her request in July.
Judge Abdul-Ellah ibn Mohammed al-Tuwaijri wrote in his ruling, while Ms Vierra is new to Islam she “continues to embrace customs and traditions” of her US upbringing.
“We must avoid exposing (Zaina) to these customs and traditions, especially at this early age," he wrote.
The decision was supported by the fact Ms Vierra had been to Burning Man music festival and her husband’s counsel accused her of using social channels “full of nudity” and contrary to the customs of Islam.
Ms Vierra’s lawyers alleged her ex-husband was abusive and had a history of drug use.
He’s denied the allegations.
Custody has been granted to Zaina’s grandmother who lives with her ex-husband.
Ms Vierra been given until August 25 to appeal the decision.
Bethany Vierra devasted by Saudi court’s decision
Ms Vierra wrote on Facebook on August 7 she’s devastated by the judge’s decision.
“She’s my everything, my purpose, my sidekick and my joy. I’ve raised a beautiful, intelligent and healthy baby girl - and I’ve essentially done it alone,” she wrote.
The mum claims there’s also a warrant for her arrest and she’s not allowed to leave the country for 10 years.
“Since the custody ruling was issued, Zaina didn’t attend visitation sessions,” she wrote.
“I was confused about the change in rulings. Nobody informed me visitation should be ongoing regardless of the change to custody, not a single message or warning from Mawadah, the place that normally facilitated visitation.”
The are concerns Ms Vierra might be subject to Saudi laws which are renowned for oppressing women.
One of the laws, according to Human Rights Watch, sees many women unable to gain custody of their children after divorce.
Regardless of if a woman is able to gain custody, the father maintains the right to decide whether the child can leave the country, Human Rights Watch claims.
Ms Vierra’s cousin Nicole Carroll told The New York Times in March the mum is “completely stuck” as despite her being divorced she still needs permission from her ex-husband for either her or her daughter to leave Saudi Arabia.
The mum claims she doesn’t want to leave the country.
But her parents are concerned the reason she won’t leave Saudi Arabia is because of her daughter.
“Zaina deserves better than this,” Ms Vierra wrote.
“Please don’t take my sunshine away.”
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