Saudi teen speaks publicly in Toronto after granted asylum in Canada

A Saudi teen whose flight from her allegedly abusive family captured global attention gave a public statement in Toronto Tuesday morning.

Rahaf Al-Qunun was granted asylum in Canada after her plight captured global attention on social media.

READ MORE: ‘A very brave new Canadian’– woman who fled Saudi Arabia arrives in Toronto

The 18-year-old ran from her family while visiting Kuwait and flew to Bangkok, then barricaded herself in an airport hotel room and tweeted that she feared for her life if she returned home.

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She alleged that her father was physically abusive to her and tried to force her into an arranged marriage.

5:51 Freeland welcomes Saudi teen fleeing abusive family to Canada

• Freeland welcomes Saudi teen fleeing abusive family to Canada
• Saudi teen on the run from abusive family arrives in Canada
• Saudi teen fleeing family granted asylum in Canada
• PM Trudeau confirms Canada will grant asylum to Rahaf al-Qunun

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Al-Qunun’s case was fast-tracked by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which asked Canada to take her in as a refugee.

When the young woman arrived in Toronto on Saturday morning she was greeted by Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland.