Riyadh, December 07: An Australian man has been sentenced to a year in prison and 500 lashes in Saudi Arabia for violating the country’s blasphemy laws.
45-year-old Mansor Almaribe had been detained in Medina on November 14 for insulting the companions of the prophet Muhammad, Heraldsun.com reports.
The accused reportedly made the offence while participating in the Hajj trip to Mecca.
He was initially sentenced to two years in jail and 500 lashes, which was later reduced to a year in jail and 500 lashes.
Meanwhile, the Australian government has said its ambassador is in touch with Saudi authorities and “will urgently pursue avenues for leniency with relevant authorities”.
–Agencies–