13-year-old Saudi out of 'jail': Back again?

A 13-year-old Saudi boy has just been released after spending 18 months in prison for damaging his classmate’s eye while playing on the school field, but is now facing an even longer jail term unless he pays damages.

Bandar Al Beeshi was sentenced to 18 months in prison in the southern Saudi province of Jazan and ordered to pay SR200,000 (Dh195,000) to the victim for damaging one of his eyes when he threw a stone at his classmate.

Although he had completed his jail term at a delinquency centre in the province, he could be locked up again unless he pays damages to the victim’s family.

Sabq newspaper said the victim’s father insists on receiving damages, but quoted Beeshi’s father as saying he cannot afford paying as he supports a family of 11 for a monthly wage of just SR1,900 (Dh1,890).

“I appeal for our rulers and all benevolent people to help me have my son back. He had made a mistake and had paid dearly,” his father said.
 

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