Gay Saudi Prince faces execution in homeland: Report
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London: The Saudi Prince, who allegedly killed his manservant at a posh London hotel, faces execution in his homeland — not for the murder but "for being gay", a media report said.
A British court was told that homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia and carries death penalty which could well be applied if the 34-year-old Prince's family decide that he has brought shame on them, The Sun reported.
"Homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia and carries the death penalty," prosecutor Bobbie Cheema was quoted as telling the Old Bailey court.
Prince Saud Abdulaziz bin Nasser al Saud has admitted manslaughter but strenuously denies having a "gay fling" with his victim — found beaten and strangled at a five-star London hotel where the pair were allegedly on a holiday.
He pleads not guilty to murder. Servant Bandar Abdullah Abdulaziz, 32, had bite marks on him, said to have been caused during a sex romp. His master — captured on CCTV attacking him in a hotel lift — is grandson of the Saudi king.
Cheema said any prosecution by the Saudis depended on "the wishes of his family". "There have been cases where the family have pushed for the most severe penalty." The Prince could also be in peril from his victim's family "although as he is a member of the Saudi royal family, this risk would be reduced", the prosecutor added.
Gay Saudis have applied for asylum here on the grounds they faced execution back home, the report said. The Prince's counsel, Mr John Kelsey-Fry, however, said: "That all is predicated on, if it was the case as alleged, the defendant had engaged in homosexuality." The trial continues. — PTI
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