BREAKING: Saudi Arabia recalls its ambassador to Canada, considers Canadian ambassador persona non grata. Freezes all new trade and investment transactions with Canada: Saudi Press Agency.
Comes days after Canadian government said it was 'gravely concerned' about arrests of activists in Saudi Arabia, including sister of jailed blogger Raif Badawi, and called for their release. Background: cbc.ca/1.4770268
Latest on Canadian relations with Saudi Arabia:
Saudi foreign ministry calls Canadian statement on arrests of activists in Saudi Arabia 'negative and surprising.' Says Canada's 'interference' in its affairs is 'in contravention of the most basic international norms.'
More @CBCNews: Saudi Arabia to freeze new trade with Canada, recalls ambassador. cbc.ca/1.4775133
Ensaf Haidar, Canadian wife of jailed Saudi blogger Raif Badawi, tells CBC News she was taken by surprise by news that Saudi Arabia is taking measures against Canada in retaliation for Canada's support of jailed activists. Haidar says she will continue to fight for her husband.
More @cbcnews Saudi Arabian group apologizes for posting image appearing to threaten Canada with 9/11-style attack. cbc.ca/1.4775509
Update: Saudi Arabia's moves against Canada expected to resonate in region. cbc.ca/1.4775545
Saudi state airline Saudia says in a post on its official Twitter account that it was suspending flights to and from Toronto, the latest in a series of measures the kingdom announced in its diplomatic row with Canada: Reuters.
Coming up live Chrystia Freeland holds news conference on Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic sanctions over Canada's human rights criticism, 4 p.m. ET. cbc.ca/1.4775545
Watch live: Chrystia Freeland speaks about Saudi developments. cbc.ca/1.4775545
Update from @CBCKatie: Minister Freeland says there is nothing new or novel about Canada's support for human rights, very much including women's rights around the world, including in Saudi Arabia.
More @cbcnews Freeland defends Canada's stance on Saudi Arabia amid sanctions. cbc.ca/1.4775545
