French writer Jean-Pierre Feliu says the government of Canada is not afraid to challenge the Saudi regime, especially on the issue of human rights, and therefore its voice is welcome to Saudi girl Rahaf Mohammed Al-Qunun, who was stranded at Bangkok airport.

Rahaf al-Qanoon, 18, did not imagine that her call for help on social networks would provoke a diplomatic and media storm, especially as Australia rejected her request for asylum.

Canada has accepted the arrival of a refugee, and Foreign Minister Christia Freeland has come to Toronto airport to welcome her, he said, adding that the Saudi girl is protesting against the guardianship that is still imposed in her country on adult women.

The author describes Ottawa's step in this context as courageous, pointing out that Fréland had expressed concern last August of the arrest of Saudi women's rights activist Samar Badawi and called for her and her brother, blogger Raif Badawi, to be sentenced to 10 Years since 2012 on charges of "insulting Islam."

Saudi Citizenship Rahaf Al-Qanoun (Al Jazeera)

Saudi Steps
The Saudi government condemned what it described as "unacceptable interference in its internal affairs" and described Freeland's statement as "dictation." It did not only expel the Canadian ambassador from Riyadh immediately, but also froze massive Saudi investments in Canada, The scope included calling thousands of Saudi students enrolled in Canadian universities.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman wanted to have a strong response to a simple statement by the Canadian head of diplomacy as a deterrent to eradicate Western criticism in its infancy, especially after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the legend of reformer promoted by Mohammed bin Salman.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's moves in the field of human rights are widely welcomed, contrary to people's view of US President Donald Trump, who justifies his acceptance of the Saudi Crown Prince as "wonderful contracts."

He explains that the United States was interested in human rights issues, rather than continuing to arm Saudi Arabia.

Canadian obligations
The Canadian Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to the release of Raif Badawi, noting that he personally raised the issue with Mohammed bin Salman and his father, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, although Canada continues to respect 10 billion euros for the delivery of light armored vehicles to Saudi Arabia.

Canada has a clear vision of women's rights, the writer says.

The writer concludes that Canada has not retreated from defending such human rights principles, even though it draws Saudi anger and economic revenge.