Saudi jails Jordanian convicted of spying for Israel

Jordanian man sentenced to nine years, 80 lashes for allegedly spying for Israel. According to Saudi court, man 'contacted Prime Minister Netanyahu, a Zionist intelligence officer, to cooperate on intelligence' in return for payment

Reuters | Published: 10.30.13, 17:34

A Saudi court on Wednesday sentenced a Jordanian to nine years in prison and 80 lashes after he was convicted of spying for Israel, local media reported.

The specialized court charged the man with "contacting Israeli Prime Minister (Benjamin Netanyahu) and contacting a Zionist intelligence officer in voice and picture via email, as well as agreeing to go to them and cooperate with their intelligence," reported Alriyadh daily on its website.

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The court in Riyadh said the man, who was not identified, had received money in exchange and will be deported after serving his sentence.

No details were provided on when or where he was arrested.

The defendant did not inform the Saudi "security authorities of the truth and has violated the kingdom's residency law with these actions," said the daily.

But the daily said he was also accused of drug use and of sex out of wedlock with an expatriate woman in the ultra-conservative kingdom.

The man had confessed and was suffering from "depression and psychological disorders," the newspaper cited a medical report as saying.

Saudi Arabia does not recognize Israel, while Jordan does have ties with the Jewish state.