Recently, the charges against Saudi princess Meshael Alayban of human trafficking were dismissed. The charges were related to holding a Kenyan servant like a virtual prisoner in her California home. The servant also claimed that the princess forced her to work 16 hours per day, seven days a week without any holiday. Furthermore, the payment for this work was only $220 a month. Alayban also snatched her passport and stopped her from leaving. Prosecutors linked it to modern-day slavery.
Despite all of these facts, the charges were dropped. The reason was that prosecutors could not provide strong evidence and prove the allegations. Alayban left the courtroom smiling, as the judge lifted her $5 million bond, returned her passports, and ordered the removal of her electronic monitoring device. This decision of the judge raises serious concern that such powerful persons are allowed to commit any type of crime without any punishment. She can avoid accountability when accused of such severe exploitation. It highlights that the justice of this nation is not equal for everyone, especially when powerful individuals are involved.
The result of this case is very concerning. In just 5 minutes, the judges decided to drop the case and let her go. They said there is not enough proof to prove these claims are true. Also, the defence lawyer thanked D.A. and spoke in favour of Saudi Arabia.
Why was Alayaban arrested?
Alayaban is the wife of a Saudi prince, who was arrested in July in Irvine due to involvement in human trafficking. The original story was revealed when the servant escaped the princess’ home and asked an unknown driver for help. She was only 30 years old. But after the hearing, the D.A. said their investigation showed that the woman wasn’t a victim. He argued that she could leave the job whenever she wanted and also received medical care. D.A. also gave his opinion and said that the woman might have thought that she was the victim, but there is no reality in it. It was only a misunderstanding.
The judge’s decision without any deeper look into the case is very worrying. It raises a question as to why justice for powerful and weak people is not the same. The idea that it was just a misunderstanding seems too easy and might downplay the serious issue of human trafficking.
The defence lawyer, Meyer, claimed that all of these accusations were not true. It is part of a plan to get permanent residency in the United States. He also said that all of this situation is also worrying the family members. When the charges were first announced, District Attorney Rackauckas said this would be the first case in Orange County to be prosecuted under California’s Proposition 35. This law makes human trafficking more serious. When the charges were first announced, District Attorney Rackauckas said this would be the first case in Orange County to be prosecuted under California’s Proposition 35. This law makes human trafficking more serious.
Rackauckas expressed disappointment that, even though slavery has been illegal for over 150 years, similar issues still happen today, even in California.
When police went to the home, they found four Filipina women, but their legal status was unclear. Although there was talk of more charges, prosecutors did not mention these women later. Meyer insists that no one in the household was overworked or forced to stay.
This case also highlights a common issue in the Gulf Arab region, including Saudi Arabia, where many families rely on domestic workers from Africa and South Asia. These workers often work long hours and sometimes have their passports taken by their employers. In Western countries, some employers have faced legal trouble for similar practices.
It highlights that Saudi princesses mistreated their servants very badly. One princess was charged with this in Florida over a decade ago. At the same time in 2005, another was taken into court for forced labor. The results of both cases are not true, as both ended up with lesser charges. The defence lawyer said that the servants had been found in good health. They also had every accessory such as the internet, Facebook, cable TV, etc, in their language. Servants were also allowed to shop at nearby malls and live their lives according to their requirements.
Even with these benefits, the guilty pleas still suggest serious problems. It’s important to consider if workers were treated fairly and with respect, not just if they had some perks.