From the AP:

Saudi king issues pardon for rape victim
55 minutes ago



Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has pardoned a female rape victim who had been sentenced to six months in prison and 200 lashes, a Saudi newspaper reported Monday.

Saudi Justice Minister Abdullah bin Muhammed al-Sheik told al-Jazirah newspaper that the pardon does not mean the king doubted the country's judges, but instead acted in the "interests of the people."

"The king always looks into alleviating the suffering of the citizens when he becomes sure that these verdicts will leave psychological effects on the convicted people, though he is convinced and sure that the verdicts were fair," al-Jazirah quoted al-Sheik as saying.

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This has been an ongoing story, and one that has taken many twists and turns. The basic gist of the events is that a young woman met a young male friend to ask for a photo (of her) to be returned. Men kidnapped both of them, drove them far away, and at least 7 men gang raped her. She was sentenced to receive lashes and a prison term, but when she spoke out about the injustice of the sentence, the punishment was upped and she was sentenced to receive 200 lashes and 6 months in prison.

Recently, the story has taken a turn in that scholars have called for the young girl's execution for 'indecent behavior that violated moral codes.' Her attackers have said she lured them on, seduced them, and threw her clothes aside... and they were helpless and had to act on impulse.

This girl may be 'pardoned,' or may not be. We will have to see if this does indeed come through. For certain, someone will try to kill her because she is a certified target now for an "Honor Killing." Especially since the king is emphasizing he thinks the verdict was just.

Please check out great sites that works to prevent such atrocities:

www.myspace.com/icahk

stophonourkillings.com



-- Editor K.