The 48-year-old doctor, who wished to go by the name Nora only, said she was totally shocked by the unexpected turn of events.

She said she went to the Azizia district police station in Makkah to report that she was being subjected to physical abuse by her younger brother, but the officer detained her instead and called her family.

When the family arrived, they presented to the officer a different scenario and said that Nora’s mother was filing a case of “child ingratitude” against her.

At this point, Nora was held overnight to be referred to the Bureau of Investigation and Prosecution. When a friend notified the Human Rights Commission (HRC) of Nora’s predicament at 3 a.m., an HRC official contacted the bureau and requested her discharge.

Nora was released Thursday morning and the complaint lodged by her mother was rejected.

"It is against the regulation to hold someone while he/she is filing a complaint at the same time, especially if it is a domestic violence case," said a source, adding that the case against her brother will proceed.