Dubai: The Summary Court in Makkah has sentenced a Yemeni national, accused of being involved in the death of an Algerian girl last year, to seven years in prison and 500 lashes.
The girl, Sara, was killed when she fell from a hotel window, were she was staying with her parents for Haj. The girl was in a relationship with the defendant, Ammar, during her stay.
Sara fell when she attempted to escape after being caught by another Yemeni while she was having dinner alone with Ammar. He threatened them that he would inform her parents.
A source said the judge found the defendant guilty of being indirectly involved in her death. The verdict included deporting the man after he completes his sentence. And the forensic examination showed the girl was a virgin and not sexually assaulted, reported Saudi daily Okaz.
The Makkah Court earlier endorsed the statements of the Yemeni who testified that he pursued her after he saw her with the defendant on that day. However, a representative of the Algerian Consulate objected to the verdict and will appeal at the Court of Cassation.
