The Saudi teenager fleeing her family has been thrown a lifeline by the Australian government Tuesday, which indicated it was likely to grant her a humanitarian visa. Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun, 18, was planning to fly to the country on a tourist visa and apply for asylum but was detained by Thai authorities at Bangkok airport on Sunday. Australian sources told the media there that Ms. Alqunun would be refused entry on the tourist visa because it did not reflect the real reason for her trip. But her claim for protection is now being assessed by the UNHCR in Bangkok, which will then pass the case over to Australian officials. Many here will say bring her to Canada. Saudis tell Thais they should have taken girl’s phone to prevent Twitter campaign.
