Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) and other supporters of human rights will be holding a protest on Saturday, June 26, in front of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Washington DC – starting at 1:30 PM

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Information obtained from Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV)
PROTEST – Nathalie Morin and Gender Apartheid – Saturday June 26, 2010 at 1:30pm

PROTEST
Saturday June 26th, 2010, 1:30 pm in front of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia
601 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20037
To denounce the confinement of Nathalie Morin and her children, and foreign nationals, in Saudi Arabia

Canadian, Nathalie Morin who is 26 years old, along with her three small children, has been held against her will in Saudi Arabia by her common-law husband since 2005. A victim of conjugal violence, confinement and abuse, Nathalie must return to Canada with her children. But in Saudi Arabia a woman must have the authorization of her male guardian to leave the territory and her aggressor will not allow this.

Gender apartheid and the male guardianship system of Saudi Arabia is a violation of women’s human rights and international law. As long as the U.S. and Saudi governments consider Nathalie and her children’s case a private affair, they will not deploy all efforts to ensure their safety and bring them home to Canada. During this time, Nathalie’s condition continues to deteriorate as the abuse worsens.

On June 26th and 27th, representatives of the Saudi government will participate in the G-20 summit in Toronto to discuss the economy. In June 2009 Obama stated in his speech in Cairo: «But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn’t steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose.
These are not just American ideas; they are human rights. And that is why we will support them everywhere.» We call on President Obama to defend human rights by demanding that any foreign nationals held captive in Saudi Arabia be allowed to exit the country.

This protest is to declare to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the U.S. Government that Americans are demanding Nathalie Morin and her children, as well as any foreign nationals held captive, be returned to their countries immediately, that they respect the human rights of women and children and ensure the safety of Nathalie Morin and the safety of her children.

Location: 601 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20037

We will not abandon Nathalie and her children to an undeserved fate

Information: www.nathaliemorin.org E-mail: soutiennathaliemorin@gmail.com

Contact Information for MPV:

Ani Zonneveld – MPV-USA (national organization) ani@mpvusa.org 323-842-2869
Fatima Thompson – MPV-DC (local chapter) thompson.fatima@gmail.com 703-901-0720

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The Saudi Arabian embassy in Washington DC is at:

Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
601 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20037
Main Number: (202) 342-3800

The Saudi embassy is near the JFK Center for the Performing Arts and the Watergate complex, not with other embassies in the International Drive / International Court areas.

See this link for a map

The Washington DC subway (“Metro”) has a stop at Foggy Bottom (orange / blue line) that is closest to the Saudi embassy.  When the Metro trip planner tool is back online, we will post the walking directions.

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Nearby Kennedy Center Directions
By Subway / Metro:
The Foggy Bottom/George Washington University Station (on the Orange and Blue lines, at 23rd and I streets, NW) , is the stop closest to the Kennedy Center. From there it is a short walk via New Hampshire Avenue OR use our FREE Kennedy Center Shuttle (signs are towards the left as you exit the escalator). The shuttle departs every 15 minutes from 9:45 a.m.-Midnight Monday-Friday, and 10 a.m.-Midnight Saturdays, and noon-Midnight Sundays and 4:00 p.m.-Midnight on Federal holidays.

By Bus:
The 80 bus goes to the Kennedy Center. For details on bus routes and schedules, call Metro information at (202) 637-7000 or TTY (202) 638-3780.

By Taxi:
Taxi service to and from the Kennedy Center is convenient and readily available. A taxi dispatcher is available to signal cabs and assign patrons from 6:30 p.m. (3:30 p.m. on matinee days) until 30 minutes after the end of the last performance, and taxis queue in the Plaza each evening to serve patrons. Look for the uniformed dispatcher at the Hall of States entrance.

By Car/ Get Directions:

from Northern Virginia | from Maryland and Northwest DC | from Downtown DC

Please refer to the map below to help plan your trip. Also be sure to check our parking information, garage hours, and fees before arriving.

Important Note About SUV’s 6 Feet or Higher
For vehicles taller than 6 ft., there are limited spaces available on levels “B” and “C” South and “C” North (max. clearance 7′).

WIDE AREA MAP