Businessman’s detention extended

By Adnan Al-Shabrawi and Arwa Khishaifani JEDDAH — The Summary Court here has turned down a plea by lawyers to release a famous Saudi businessman accused of murdering his misyar wife, court sources said. The businessman was not named but only identified by his position as a member of the board of honorary members of a big sports club. The court decided to extend the detention of the businessman for about more 80 days until its next session in April. The businessman was acquitted in the public right aspect of the case from the murder but was imprisoned for two years on charges of taking cocaine. His lawyers called for his release from prison on health reasons showing medical certificates that he was suffering from heart problems. The family of the murdered wife asked again for his trial on the private right side of the case so the judge decided to put him again behind bars where he has been staying for about eight months now. The attorney general presented a list of charges against the defendant consisting of solid evidence including medical and chemical reports in addition to the report of the forensic doctors. He called for harsh punishment against the businessman according to the Shariah which prevents such acts. The defendant said he had married his wife through misyar without any official contract and they lived together for many years. He said the night of her death they were taking cocaine together during a private party at their home when she fell down lifeless.Asked about bruises on her body, he said they used to fight like any married couples and sometimes they would catch each other by the hands. The attorney general presented to the court about 11 evidence incriminating the husband and said he should face capital punishment.