Syarif Hidayatul Anang, an Indonesian national who was sentenced to death after being convicted of adultery and manslaughter involving an Indonesian woman, has escaped the death penalty during a court session in Saudi Arabia, Antara has reported
yarif Hidayatul Anang, an Indonesian national who was sentenced to death after being convicted of adultery and manslaughter involving an Indonesian woman, has escaped the death penalty during a court session in Saudi Arabia, Antara has reported.
A panel of judges at the District Court in Ahsa City sentenced Syarif to three years in prison on Sept. 25, the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Riyadh said in a press release. It was further said the panel of judges, led by Sheikh Abdullah Muhamad Al Dosary, also sentenced Syarif to be dealt 300 lashes in six stages.
The court's ruling was lighter than prosecutors' initial demand. The prosecution had imposed multiple charges against Syarif and sought the death penalty for him.
Syarif was accused of having committed adultery with an Indonesian national, Enah binti Bidin Ujum, and of helping her to get an abortion that led to her death. Syarif was also accused to have drank alcoholic beverages, which is prohibited in Saudi Arabia.
KBRI Riyadh officials and an Indonesian translator attended the pronouncement of the ruling. The embassy said in its release that it provided a lawyer to accompany Syarif during his trial, which lasted for 18 months.
Responding to the verdict, Syarif said he would accept the ruling. Meanwhile, the judicial panel is waiting for responses from the prosecutors, who did not attend the session.
The case emerged after KBRI Riyadh received information from the Shalihiyah police in Ahsa regency on March 6, 2013, saying that they arrested Syarif for alleged adultery and for the alleged abortion that led to the death of another Indonesian, Enah.
On April 22, 2013, KBRI Riyadh officially assigned a lawyer to give Syarif legal assistance. (dyl/ebf)
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.