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Saudi Arabia: Activist says female golfers' association with Govt.-backed tournament would "distract" from human rights violations; cos. did not respond
Allegations of "sportswashing" surfaced when golf players accepted millions from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series this summer, but the recent expansion of this series to include female golf players has prompted Saudi Arabian human rights activist Lina Alhathloul to write a letter addressed at the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).
Alhathloul said the situation of women in Saudi Arabia has not improved despite recent reforms, and any involvement with the Saudi regime will “distract from the dire human rights situation on the ground” for women. Her letter can be read in full here.
"I understand that you might believe that your involvement with such a country could positively impact their fate but, given the present context, your participation in events hosted by the Crown Prince will only help rehabilitate him and cover up all the violations."Lina Alhathloul in an open letter to the LPGA
The Resource Centre reached out to the LPGA and LIV Golf to invite them to provide a response; they did not respond.