A reporter for the state-run Ekhbariya television station in Saudi Arabia sparked quite a scandal after she appeared on air and delivered her newscast — minus the head covering.
Law does allow for women to appear on television without hijabs. But no female newscaster has ever dared take that step, United Press International reported.
Saleh Al Mughailif, a spokesperson for Saudi-run radio and television, said the reporter — who was not named — was actually broadcasting out of the station’s London office, UPI said. He also said the station’s received a wave of criticisms about her hijab-less appearance.
“She was not in a studio insider Saudi Arabia and we do not tolerate any transgression of our values and the country’s systems,” the spokesperson said.
He also said that studio heads will take necessary steps to ensure such transgressions aren’t repeated.
At the same time, several posters on social media sites commended the reporter for her appearance absent the hijab and said she was striking a win for women’s rights in a country where dress codes are strictly enforced by religious police.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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