Saudi Arabia Sentences Hamas Leader to 15 Years in Prison
A Saudi Arabian criminal court sentenced former Hamas representative Mohammed Al-Khudari to 15 years in prison. His son Hani Al-Khudari was sentenced to three years in prison.
The defendant's brother, Abdel-Majed Al-Khudari, as reported by Yeni Safak, Monday (9/8), said Al-Khudari was charged with supporting the Palestinian group. According to Abdel Majed, the court has reduced his brother's sentence by half.
The head of the committee following the Jordanian detainees in Saudi Arabia, Khader Mashayekh, confirmed Al-Khudari's sentence. Saudi Arabian authorities have yet to confirm the verdict.
Hamas said Saudi Arabian authorities arrested 60 members and their sympathizers, including Al-Khudari. Riyadh declined to comment on the issue, saying only detainees were entitled to their rights according to existing laws.
Hamas has not yet responded to the sentence handed down on Sunday (8/8) yesterday. In February, the humanitarian organization Amnesty International said 83-year-old Al-Khudari underwent surgery and was being treated for prostate cancer when authorities arrested him and his son on April 4, 2019.
The London-based organization called on the King of Saudi Arabia to drop the "baseless" charges against Al-Khudari and his son. Amnesty International also requested that the father-daughter be released immediately.