News Brief

(IsraelNN.com) The Saudi al-Jazirah paper reported Monday that King Abdullah has pardoned a 19-year-old rape victim who was sentenced to 200 lashes and six months in prison.  The Shiite Muslim woman was accused of being alone with an unrelated man when seven Sunni men attacked the two, repeatedly raping them both. 

The female victim was initially sentenced to 90 lashes, but her sentence was increased after her lawyer protested the original sentence and the case gained international attention.  The rapists’ sentences were increased as well, from two to five years to two to nine years in prison. 

Saudi Justice Minister Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Sheikh did not confirm the pardon, but said the king had the right to pardon criminals in the public interest.  The king often issues pardons before the Eid al-Adha festival, which will begin on Wednesday.