Melbourne: An Australian man who was sentenced 500 lashes and a year in jail in Saudi Arabia for blasphemy, has reportedly been released.
Mansor Almaribe (45), who was found guilty of the charge last month while on a pilgrimage to Mecca, was granted a pardon by the Saudi Arabian authorities, and his corporal punishment was reduced to 75 lashes, ABC quoted the department of foreign affairs as saying.
Almaribe's son, Issam, said he has spoken to his father's lawyer about his condition.
"He said that your dad is so tired, especially after the lashes and his health condition is not really well but he can make it to Australia," Issam said.
"We feel so happy. We have been waiting for this moment for a long time," he said, adding, "The department said the lashes were administered in a way that did not cause harm or leave marks."
The Australian government has appreciated the leniency shown by the Saudi government.
PTI
First Published: Thursday, January 12, 2012, 15:44