A woman has claimed that her uncle forced her to give up a SR500,000 inheritance in exchange for allowing her to get married.

She said that her parents died when she was young and her uncle became her guardian. She claimed that her uncle continued to reject suitors for her but never explained this behavior.

When she turned 30, she decided to confront him about the situation. She claimed he finally admitted that he wanted her inheritance of SR500,000 left by her father. If she signed it over to him, he would allow her to get married.

She said that she was not able to get any help from lawyers about her case. Caught in a dilemma of either not starting a family, or giving up her inheritance, she decided on the latter.

As soon as she signed the waiver to her inheritance, he allowed her to get married to the first person who proposed, she claimed.

Lamia Bukhari, an activist, said that this form of abuse was taking place on a regular basis in the country.

“Yes, this is happening and many fathers, brothers, and uncles are blackmailing women in different ways."

She said the woman could be helped if she approaches the Human Rights Commission, which is recognized and supported by the Saudi government.

“There are also fair lawyers and judges who will work hard to find a solution to her problem. It is clear that her uncle's refusal is not acceptable.

The money belongs to her and she has the complete right to keep it until she gets married.”

Bukhari said the woman's story should be used to raise awareness about the criminal behavior of some men in the Kingdom.

She said that there is awareness of these situations among all sections of Saudi society, including religious people.

“Research should be done on this kind of situation. Women who are not getting the proper treatment from their guardians should go to homes for orphans where they could get a better life.”