Meshael Alayban, Saudi Princess, Faces Human Trafficking Charge

Meshael Alayban, a Saudi Arabian princess, was arrested on July 9 in California, and is facing human trafficking charges.

Alayban, 42, was arraigned on Thursday at the Orange Country Superior Court. She did not enter a plea, and her lawyer asked that the hearing be delayed, reported BBC News.The judge granted the request, and rescheduled the hearing for July 29. Alayban was released from custody on $5 million bail, but is required to wear a GPS tracking device and can't leave the country without authorization.

Alayban was arrested after one of her domestic workers claimed that she had been forced to work excessive hours with little pay and was not permitted to leave Alayban’s service. The 30-year-old Kenyan woman was reportedly hired by the princess in 2012 and subsequently transplanted to Saudi Arabia. Her passport was allegedly taken from her. It was only returned briefly when Alayban brought her with her to the United States

The unnamed Kenyan woman had signed a 2-year contract that guaranteed her $1,600 a month to work eight hours a day, according to law enforcement, reported CBS News. In March, the woman alleges, Alayban began forcing her to work 16-hour days, seven days a week. Her pay was allegedly reduced to $220 a month.

When authorities arrived at Alayban’s condo, four other domestic workers from the Philippines emerged. None of these women have so far filed any relating charges against their employer.

Alayban is one of Prince Abdulrahman bin Nasser bin Abdullaziz al-Saud's six wives.

Get Uinterview's FREE iPhone App For Daily News Updates here.

Get the FREE Uinterview iPad app here and watch our videos anywhere.