Saudi Arabia: 'Without explanation, an Islamic court in Saudi Arabia ignored Christian prisoner Brian O’Connor’s previous charge of “spreading Christianity,” under which he has already been jailed for seven months. Instead, the Indian national was sentenced on October 20 to three more months in jail, along with a punishment of 300 lashes, for alleged possession and sale of alcohol. O’Connor refused to accept the verdict, declaring to the court that he was not guilty of any crime. His refusal delays even further the settlement of his case, he was told, possibly resulting in an even harsher penalty if he was still found “guilty.” Under Saudi Arabia’s implementation of Islamic law, defendants are not guaranteed access to a lawyer, and public access is rarely granted to trial hearings.' (Compass Direct)