The Saudi Ambassador to Canada, Dr Mohammad bin Rajaa Al-Hosaini, denied Western press reports alleging that a group of Western citizens convicted of crimes in the Kingdom were tortured in Saudi jails. The men named in reports, who have recently been released and pardoned, include a Canadian citizen, who also has British nationality, William Sampson.
In a press release, the Ambassador said that the Kingdom’s laws forbid all forms of torture, and that the Kingdom is a signatory of international agreements banning racism, torture and inhuman and degrading punishments.
He noted the assertions by Canadian officials that previous reports stating that the Canadian William Sampson was tortured in the Kingdom were incorrect, and statements by the Canadian Ambassador to the Kingdom that Mr Sampson told Canadian consular officials that he had been treated well. Mr Sampson’s statements were corroborated by his father, who visited him twice in the Kingdom.
The Ambassador said that Mr Sampson, who suffers health problems due to his addiction to smoking, underwent two successful heart operations in the Kingdom’s best hospitals, and was provided with medical help and support when it was required.
Source: SPA
