Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07RIYADH2517
2007-12-17 11:51:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Riyadh
Cable title:
QATEEF GIRL RECEIVES FULL ROYAL PARDON
how-toVZCZCXRO3415 PP RUEHDE RUEHDIR DE RUEHRH #2517 3511151 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 171151Z DEC 07 FM AMEMBASSY RIYADH TO RHEHAAA/WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7285 RUEHJI/AMCONSUL JEDDAH 9307 INFO RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L RIYADH 002517
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/17/2017
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL SA SOCI
SUBJECT: QATEEF GIRL RECEIVES FULL ROYAL PARDON
REF: A. RIYADH 02484
B. RIYADH 02357
C. RIYADH 02323
Classified By: CG JOHN S. KINCANNON FOR REASONS 1.4(b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L RIYADH 002517
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/17/2017
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL SA SOCI
SUBJECT: QATEEF GIRL RECEIVES FULL ROYAL PARDON
REF: A. RIYADH 02484
B. RIYADH 02357
C. RIYADH 02323
Classified By: CG JOHN S. KINCANNON FOR REASONS 1.4(b) and (d).
1. (C) SUMMARY: Through media reports and Mission contacts,
we are able to confirm the Qateef rape victim (reftels)
referred to as "Qateef Girl" in media reports, today was
granted a full royal pardon by King Abdullah. Her lawyer,
Abdulrahman al-Lahem has also had his law license returned to
him. An independent commission will reportedly review the
case to determine if disciplinary actions should be taken
against any judicial officers. END SUMMARY.
2. (U) Today, media reports stated the King issued such a
pardon to the Qateef rape victim. Post has independently
confirmed the "Qateef Girl's" lawyer received a call from the
SAG that informed him a pardon was issued, although the
lawyer does not have a written copy of the pardon yet. It
appears "Qateef Girl" is now clear of any judicial punishment
or sanction because of the circumstances arising from her
rape. Post is also able to report that her lawyer,
Abdulrahman al-Lahem, whose law license was suspended and was
facing disciplinary actions, had his law license returned to
him.
3. (C) Prominent Post contacts informed the PAO that an
independent review committee is being assembled by the SAG to
investigate the circumstances surrounding the Qateef Girl's
case and her punishment. The SAG was embarrassed by the
public outcry from Western sources regarding the case and
reportedly plans to investigate allegations of judicial
misconduct. (COMMENT: Post has heard allegations from
multiple sources alleging that the judges in the case may
have received bribes from the families of perpetrators. END
COMMENT).
(APPROVED: KINCANNON)
FRAKER
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/17/2017
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL SA SOCI
SUBJECT: QATEEF GIRL RECEIVES FULL ROYAL PARDON
REF: A. RIYADH 02484
B. RIYADH 02357
C. RIYADH 02323
Classified By: CG JOHN S. KINCANNON FOR REASONS 1.4(b) and (d).
1. (C) SUMMARY: Through media reports and Mission contacts,
we are able to confirm the Qateef rape victim (reftels)
referred to as "Qateef Girl" in media reports, today was
granted a full royal pardon by King Abdullah. Her lawyer,
Abdulrahman al-Lahem has also had his law license returned to
him. An independent commission will reportedly review the
case to determine if disciplinary actions should be taken
against any judicial officers. END SUMMARY.
2. (U) Today, media reports stated the King issued such a
pardon to the Qateef rape victim. Post has independently
confirmed the "Qateef Girl's" lawyer received a call from the
SAG that informed him a pardon was issued, although the
lawyer does not have a written copy of the pardon yet. It
appears "Qateef Girl" is now clear of any judicial punishment
or sanction because of the circumstances arising from her
rape. Post is also able to report that her lawyer,
Abdulrahman al-Lahem, whose law license was suspended and was
facing disciplinary actions, had his law license returned to
him.
3. (C) Prominent Post contacts informed the PAO that an
independent review committee is being assembled by the SAG to
investigate the circumstances surrounding the Qateef Girl's
case and her punishment. The SAG was embarrassed by the
public outcry from Western sources regarding the case and
reportedly plans to investigate allegations of judicial
misconduct. (COMMENT: Post has heard allegations from
multiple sources alleging that the judges in the case may
have received bribes from the families of perpetrators. END
COMMENT).
(APPROVED: KINCANNON)
FRAKER