Saudis sentence 60 Palestinians, Jordanians for supporting Hamas

Jordanian and Palestinian officials have been silent on what many believe are exaggerated sentences of their citizens who are accused of supporting Hamas and providing financial support to Palestinian charities.
Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh (R) and Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal (C) are seen during a meeting with Palestinian residents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 10, 2007.
Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh (R) and Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal (C) are seen during a meeting with Palestinian residents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 10, 2007. - Suhaib Salem-Pool/Getty Images
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Daoud Kuttab
@daoudkuttab

Sixty-nine Palestinians and Jordanians who have been working in Saudi Arabia for years were given harsh sentences Aug. 8, some reaching as high as 22 years. They are charged with membership in an illegal organization (Hamas) and organizing fundraising activities to support Palestinian charities.

The Saudi court sentenced the Hamas representative in Saudi Arabia, Mohammed al-Khoudary, to 15 years in prison, while his son Hani was sentenced to three years, according to the Turkish Anadolu Agency.

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