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19 Jul, 2017 15:28

Miniskirt-wearing woman 'released without charge' after Saudi arrest

Miniskirt-wearing woman 'released without charge' after Saudi arrest

A woman who was detained for wearing a miniskirt and a crop top in Saudi Arabia has reportedly been released without charges, after her arrest led to international criticism of the kingdom's conservative government.

A statement released by the Saudi Center for International Communication says that police released the woman on Tuesday evening after a few hours of questioning, AP reported.

READ MORE: Chasing miniskirts: Saudi police arrest woman who wore ‘indecent clothing’ in viral video

"She was released without charge and the case has been closed by the prosecutor,'' the statement said, adding that the video, which went viral, was published online without her knowledge.

Police arrested the woman for wearing "immodest clothes" on Tuesday, after many called for her to be detained, saying she had violated the kingdom's conservative Islamic dress code.

The video of the woman, who has been identified only as Khulood, made headlines over the weekend.

The footage showed her wandering through a historic village north of Riyadh while wearing the short skirt, a top that showed her midriff, and exposing her long brown hair.

Although some within the country called for Khulood to be arrested for the "indecent" act, others came to her defense, praising her bravery in standing up to a government which many believe is sexist towards women.

Women in Saudi Arabia are required to wear long, loose robes known as abayas while in public. The majority wear abayas with hijab, a veil that covers the head and hair, while some wear full-face niqabs.

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