This case has sparked media scrutiny of the Saudi legal system, which centers on a married woman. A 19 year-old woman and an unrelated man were both abducted by a group of seven men more than one year ago. According to the attorney who represented the woman in court, Abdulrahman al-Lahim, the seven men not only abducted the two but raped the woman. However, the woman was sentenced in October 2006 to 90 lashes. The sentence was then doubled to 200 lashes and six months in prison by the Qatif General Court, because she spoke to the media about the case. When al-Lahim spoke to the Saudi-controlled media about the case, a judge revoked his law license. A statement made Tuesday, by the Justice Ministry, acknowledged that the attorney is no longer on the case due to “exhibited disrespectful behavior toward the court, objected to the rule of law and showed ignorance concerning court instructions and regulations.” The statement also said the committee of the Supreme Judicial Council recommended an increase in the woman’s sentencing after further evidence against her came to attention when she appealed her original sentence. Also, the perpetrators based on their involvement in the crime had increased sentencing due to the judges on the committee. Originally, their sentences were two to three years in prison and now is two to nine years. The statement also said the woman’s case was heard by three judges and treated normally through regular court procedures, and that each of the people being sentenced agreed to their sentencing. However, the State Department in Washington, was utterly astonished by the case. Sean McCormack, the State Department spokesman, said “It is within the power of the Saudi government to take a look at the verdict and change it.” Recently the Saudi government has taken some steps toward bettering the situation of the women in the kingdom, since in their country women have very few rights.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/11/20/saudi.rape.victim/index.html
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