Karl Andree

The British Embassy in Riyadh is seeking clemency for one of its nationals, Karl Andree, who is in custody and faces 350 lashes for possessing alcoholic drinks in the Kingdom.

Alcoholic drinks are banned in Islam and are therefore strictly prohibited throughout the Kingdom which follows Islamic law. The punishment includes a public lashing.

The embassy is in contact with the Saudi authorities and is seeking clemency for Andree. Embassy staff visit him regularly.

Nicola Woodget, spokesperson for the British Embassy, said: “Our embassy staff is following the matter closely and is making constant efforts to assist him. These include regular visits to check on his welfare and also being in contact with his lawyer and his family. In addition, British ministers and senior officials have raised Andree’s case with the Saudi government. We are actively seeking his release as soon as possible.”

Speaking to BBC Radio about his father’s imprisonment in the Kingdom, Andree’s son, Simon, said: “There were two sentences; first the custodial sentence for 12 months which is over now as it began in August last year. Now the lashing sentence remains and I assume my father is still in prison. I am not criticizing Saudi Arabia as this is their law and we have to respect the law of the land where we reside. My father has served his time; he regrets what happened and now he just wishes to come home.”

Andree, 74, was jailed for 12 months in August last year after being caught with wine that local police found in his car. He remains in prison awaiting further punishment for breaking the law.

He had been working for oil companies for more than two decades.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the UK government department responsible for protecting British interests around the world, warns on its website that there are severe penalties for possessing alcohol in Saudi Arabia.

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