Saudi Arabia, Our Best Friend in the Middle East

Democracy at work in Saudi Arabia, our best friend in the Middle East:

According to the London-based Al-Hayat , a Saudi academic has been sentenced to 200 lashes and time in jail for insulting a colleague, a Saudi-owned newspaper reported.

Hamza al-Muzaini - a lecturer in linguistics at King Saud University - was accused by Islamic culture lecturer Abd Allah al-Barak of defamation and insult.

Al-Barak accused Muzaini of "mocking long beards" and questioning his knowledge in an article published a few months ago, other reports said.

Al-Muzaini was sentenced to 200 lashes, four months in prison and banned from publishing, a verdict he immediately appealed, Al-Hayat said.

Al-Muzaini maintains that his case should be examined by the ministry of information as it involves alleged libel, while Barak insists it is a personal matter that should be dealt with by a normal court.

The court has now appointed a committee to "implement the publications law, which dictates that cases involving publication (offences) should not be referred to (normal Islamic) courts", said Al-Hayat.

Saudi Arabia applies strict Sharia, or Islamic law, under which beheadings, as well as mutilating hands and floggings, are accepted punishments.