A husband who severely battered his wife, a popular TV presenter, has been sentenced to six months in jail and 300 lashes, a newspaper reported today, after a national outcry in Saudi Arabia.
Muhammad Bakar Yunus Al-Fallatta repeatedly smashed his wife's head into the walls and tiled floor and dumped her unconscious at hospital on April 4, Arab News said.
Rania al-Baz, who suffered 13 facial fractures and is still having reconstructive surgery, agreed to have photographs of her injuries published in the press in a campaign to raise awareness of a kingdom-wide problem.
Al-Fallatta, who surrendered to police on April 19, was found guilty on Saturday of severe battery after an attempted murder charge was dropped, the daily said.
The wife's lawyer, Omar al-Khouli, described the sentence as "relatively lenient", noting it includes time already spent in custody leaving 4-and-a-half months to serve.
Rania al-Baz, who is seeking divorce and custody of her two boys, said she did not wish to comment on the outcome.
Her lawyer said a private claim would likely follow the public case.
Under Sharia law, if Al-Baz seeks compensation, her husband could either be ordered to pay damages or be given a beating of equal severity to the one he inflicted on his wife.
Al-Fallatta is reportedly refusing to agree to a divorce, which leaves the court with the option of revoking the marriage contract.
there definately should be corporal punishment for certain crimes.. although 6 months isn't enough prison for the severity of this crime.
Muhammad Bakar Yunus Al-Fallatta repeatedly smashed his wife's head into the walls and tiled floor and dumped her unconscious at hospital on April 4, Arab News said.
Rania al-Baz, who suffered 13 facial fractures and is still having reconstructive surgery, agreed to have photographs of her injuries published in the press in a campaign to raise awareness of a kingdom-wide problem.
Al-Fallatta, who surrendered to police on April 19, was found guilty on Saturday of severe battery after an attempted murder charge was dropped, the daily said.
The wife's lawyer, Omar al-Khouli, described the sentence as "relatively lenient", noting it includes time already spent in custody leaving 4-and-a-half months to serve.
Rania al-Baz, who is seeking divorce and custody of her two boys, said she did not wish to comment on the outcome.
Her lawyer said a private claim would likely follow the public case.
Under Sharia law, if Al-Baz seeks compensation, her husband could either be ordered to pay damages or be given a beating of equal severity to the one he inflicted on his wife.
Al-Fallatta is reportedly refusing to agree to a divorce, which leaves the court with the option of revoking the marriage contract.
there definately should be corporal punishment for certain crimes.. although 6 months isn't enough prison for the severity of this crime.
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