§ 17. Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British subjects are currently held in custody in Saudi Arabia; what charges have been preferred against them; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. OwenThere are 32 British subjects currently held in custody in Saudi Arabia. Eleven have been charged with making and selling alcohol; six with drinking alcohol; five with drinking and driving; seven with other driving offences; two with theft or fraud and one with possession of drugs. Of these, 14 have already been sentenced to periods of imprisonment and in eight cases to corporal punishment also. Eighteen have yet to receive sentence.