CAIRO: The family of the Egyptian doctor imprisoned in Saudi Arabia and the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have denied reports that the doctor received a royal pardon from the Saudi king.
Recent media reports had suggested that Dr Raouf Amin, who was convicted to 15 years in prison and 1,500 lashes, would received a royal pardon soon.
“We didn’t receive any news about a royal pardon and I don’t know why anyone would publish something like that, Fathia Shihata, Amin’s wife, told Daily News Egypt.
Naguib Gobrael, the family’s lawyer denied the pardon ever happening.
Simultaneously, Ambassador Ahmed Rizk denied the pardon adding that he contacted Egypt’s Ambassador in Saudi who confirmed that there is no pardon. However, Rizk added that the lashing punishment has been frozen as a result of “intensive Egyptian mediation.
Shihata was also not aware of canceling the lashing punishment adding that no one had confirmed it yet.
Amin was found guilty of driving a Saudi princess to addiction on painkillers. His family has repeatedly denied the accusations.
