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Companion in Saudi Rape Case Pardoned

Male friend of raped woman also subjected to 'enough torture'

By John Abell, Newser User

Posted Dec 19, 2007 1:06 PM CST

(Newser) – The companion to the Saudi rape victim who was convicted of a crime for being alone with him, and then pardoned after an international uproar, has himself been pardoned, CNN reports. Saudi Arabia's minister of justice confirmed this—and by implication revealed that the man, kidnapped along with the woman by the seven men who raped her, also suffered at the men's hands, and also faced charges—in a call to Saudi TV.

The two "have experienced enough torture, which should be enough punishment for them," the minister said, reading from King Abdullah's pardon letter. The woman was convicted of "illegal mingling" and sentenced to 90 lashes; the punishment was increased to 200 lashes and six months in jail when she appealed. No details were offered on the man's sentence.

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia after speaking at the Guildhall in London during a state banquet Wednesday Oct. 31, 2007.(AP Photo/Lewis Whyld, Pool) (Associated Press)

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia arrives at the Guildhall in London for a State Banquet, Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2007. (AP Photo/Lewis Whyld/PA) (Associated Press)

An unidentified woman walks, fully veiled, along a Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, street on Nov. 15, 2006.(AP Photo/Hasan Jamali) (Associated Press)

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Companion in Saudi Rape Case Pardoned

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Companion in Saudi Rape Case Pardoned

Male friend of raped woman also subjected to 'enough torture'

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

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Saudi Arabia • King Abdullah • rape • Saudi rape victim

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Olympic Ban Urged for Sexist Saudi Arabia

'Systemic discrimination' should keep nation out: Human Rights Watch

Fox Pundit: No Surprise Women in Military Get Raped

And Liz Trotta is not happy with how much money we're spending on the issue

Islamists Call for Execution of Young Tweeter

Hamza Kashgari, 23, tweeted that he wants to talk to Mohammed as a 'friend'

Kids Caught Playing 'Rape Tag' at School

Minnesota principal ordered teachers to put an end to game

'Joke' Rape Film Sparks UConn Uproar

Video scrubbed from UCTV following protests

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Newser By Users

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