Saudi court sentences protester for 15 years

Riyadh: Saudi state-linked newspapers say a court in the capital Riyadh has sentenced a Saudi man to 15 years in prison and 70 lashes for protesting and demanding the kingdom’s troops leave neighbouring Bahrain.

Al Madina’s report did not state the specific charge, but protesters are often given lengthy sentences for sedition.

The newspaper said the man, whose name and age were not released, has the right to appeal the verdict. He was banned from travel abroad for 10 years after his release.

Saudi Arabia sent troops to Bahrain in 2011 to help quell protests against the government.

Al Madina said the man also called for the release of Saudis detained for alleged involvement in a 1996 bombing that killed 19 US Air Force airmen.