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Worker escapes death in Saudi

Worker escapes death in Saudi
Published: October 11, 2011 10:06 AM GMT
Updated: October 11, 2011 10:09 AM GMT

A Filipino worker who escaped hanging for committing blasphemy in Saudi Arabia in 2008 arrived in Manila yesterday after receiving a royal pardon. The Philippine department of foreign affairs identified the worker only as “Pablo” in an announcement issued today. Pablo worked as a trailer driver in Riyadh until his arrest on March 24, 2007, for allegedly "mocking the name of the Prophet Mohammad." He was charged with blasphemy, an offense punishable by death. “Under Islamic Law, mocking the name of the Prophet Mohammad is a grievous offense and considered taboo in Saudi Arabia and the Muslim [community],” the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh said in an announcement. Three judges sentenced Pablo to death by beheading on November 16, 2008. The committee reviewed its decision in July 2010 and lowered his sentence to five years imprisonment and 500 lashes. Foreign affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said there are other death penalty cases involving Filipinos in Saudi Arabia, but added he does not have the figures.

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