In this file photo, a general view of Ha’er Prison in Saudi Arabia.

The Specialized Criminal Court has sentenced a Saudi businessman to two years in prison for organizing a mixed-gender party in a resort here two months ago, even as the authorities concerned decided to close down the place for three years.

According to local media, the court also sentenced three Yemeni expatriates to varying jail terms for their involvement in the party. While one of them got two years in prison, another one year and the third defendant was given seven-month jail term. The three will be deported after serving the sentences.

The businessman who owns the resort denied, during the trial, his involvement in the wild party, saying that he had only rented out the place to some people. His claims were rejected after the court discovered that the he has a private housing unit in the resort and his sons had visited the place several times.

The court also ordered the arrest of other three suspects, including the businessman’s son who fled abroad after the incident in June.

The businessman and three Yemeni expatriates reportedly intend to appeal the sentences within 30 days, which is allowed by the law.

More than 50 men and women had been detained after they were found participating in the wild party on the third day of Eid Al-Fitr. All those arrested were of Arab nationalities. Liquor and other prohibited substances were seized from the place. Some of the revelers were found drunk during the raid.

Related articles across the web

• Embassy Programme Exposure of Filipino Restauranteurs in Qatar
• Eid al-Adha 2015: Best quotes, messages, wishes, picture greetings to share with friends and relatives on Bakra Eid (Bakrid)
• Eid-al-Adha on September 25
• Eid al-Adha 2015: People angry at 'inhumane' Maiduguri curfew due to Boko Haram attack fears
• A guide to spending Eid Al Adha in Qatar - 2015 edition
• Five facts about Moscow's new central mosque
• UN rights experts urge Saudi Arabia to immediately halt child executions
• UN rights experts urge Saudi Arabia to immediately halt child executions
• Prince of Dubai killed by terrorists not heart attack: Mideast news agencies
• Haj panel confirms death of one Indian in stampede, helpline established