Freedom hope for Saudi nurses
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE TWO British nurses accused of murdering a colleague in Saudi Arabia will not be flogged and could be home by the millennium, writes Steve Boggan.
Threats of the death penalty will be formally lifted today when lawyers for the victim's brother, Frank Gilford, will waive his right to demand the women's execution before a court in Al-Khobar.
That will pave the way for the Saudi courts to pass a lenient sentence on Deborah Parry and to reduce Lucille McLauchlan's eight-year sentence to "below four", according to informed sources. Another source said it was "inconceivable" that either would face a public flogging.
The developments come following weeks of apparent deadlock after Mr Gilford agreed to accept pounds 730,000"blood money" in return for waiving his right to demand the death penalty over the murder of his sister, Yvonne, 55. She was battered, stabbed and suffocated in her room at the King Fahd Military Medical Centre last December.
Lawyers for Mr Gilford said they would lodge the waiver with the court today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments