Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Aussie Mother Jailed Two Years for 'Insulting' Kuwaiti Emir

THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD: The lawyer for a Sydney woman sentenced to two years in a Kuwaiti prison will try to obtain a lesser sentence or early release for his client, the Department of Foreign Affairs says.

Nasrah Alshamery was convicted yesterday of insulting the country's ruler after a row broke out at Kuwait International Airport when the Sydney family of nine were on holiday there last year.

DFAT confirmed a criminal court sentenced the 43-year-old mother of seven, who suffers from diabetes and is on a disability pension, to two years in jail.

A DFAT spokesperson said Alshamery's Kuwaiti lawyer, Falah al-Hajraf, would seek a reduced sentence or early release.
"I will appeal the verdict tomorrow," Mr al-Hajraf told the media earlier.

"My client has denied the charge during the trial and insisted she committed no wrongdoing." >>> Georgina Robinson | Wednesday, April 22, 2009