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| Arabia |
| Saudis arrest sixth ’bomb’ Briton |
| 2002-11-25 |
| A sixth British man has been arrested in Saudi Arabia in connection with a series of bomb attacks against westerners. Businessman Glen Panard is the latest to be held in prison by the Saudi authorities, who blame the violence on an illegal alcohol racket. "Bootleggers done it!" But supporters of the Britons claim they are innocent and have been framed. And a BBC investigation has learnt that some of those arrested have been tortured. Saudi police have arrested eight westerners and six have confessed on Saudi television to planting bombs. "I did it, will you stop hitting me now?" A Briton and a Canadian have been sentenced to death, which usually takes the form of a public beheading. Ron Jones, a Scottish accountant arrested after being injured in a blast in March 2001, says he was tortured before being released. And scientists in London and Copenhagen using ultrasound technology have proved that Mr Jones was repeatedly beaten on the palms and soles of his feet, raising fears about the welfare of the other detainees. Mr Jones also claims he was hung from a bracket for so long he screamed in agony. Beating the soles of the feet is a very old and respected form of torture. It's very painful and unlikely to cause unexpected deaths. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said: "I don't care what the so-called experts say, they are wrong." "Because, I'm a prince. So there!" Some believe the bombers are Islamic extremists loyal to Osama Bin Laden. But for the Saudi authorities to concede that would be to admit they are losing their absolute grip on power. Losing face is the worst thing for these guys. |
| Posted by:Steve |
| #1 'Course, once they do lose their grip on power, they'll be probably hanging in the same cell, getting the old-fashioned foot massage... |
| Posted by: Tripartite 2002-11-25 18:49:43 |