Zaid Hamid sentenced to 8 years, 1,000 lashes in Saudi Arabia

Pakistani analyst and commentator Zaid Hamid has been sentenced for eight years in jail and 1,000 lashes by a Saudi court for criticizing the Saudi government, according to local media report. The news of Zaid Hamid arrested in Saudi Arabia has not been confirmed by the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh or the Foreign Office.

Few days ago Zaid Hamid was arrested during a private visit to the Saudi Arabia with his wife. 

On June 26, the Foreign Office confirmed Mr Zaid Hamid had been arrested in Saudi Arabia.

Our embassy in Riyadh has informed us that Mr Zaid Hamid was arrested about two weeks ago.

“Due to the efforts of the embassy, his wife was able to talk to him and meet with him on 30 June,”