British grandfather facing 360 lashes in Saudi Arabia for making wine

[Credo]

It sounds like he has a problem with alcohol.

[bendejo]

I think Big Mo, who wrote the Koran, was very attached to the bottle and it helped supply the visions when he wrote his book. He banned alcohol because he didn't want any body else getting such visions and competing with him.

[jacko45k]

I am surprised someone who is 74 years old is working in Saudi Arabia, as I did believe one had to retire prior to that.

The 350 lashes would not be given all in one session, I believe recovery between lesser numbers is standard.

A lot of people do make their own 'wine' etc in KSA, for their own consumption, and one must be discreet, the sentence is harsh, but I doubt it will proceed.

Two women boarded my aircraft in the Eastern province who had been charged with murder, released after diplomatic pressure.

If you are a guest in a country, one needs to be mindful of their laws, like the photographers in Indonesia who deemed they were above them!

[green job]

He play he loose

It's very pity but alcohol is a very sensitive issue for Saudi cleric. Zero tolerance.

If this britain would drink alcohol why did you not do it like Saudi: cross the bridge of shame between Saudi Arabia and bahrain

write your post in English !!!

[stevenl]

He play he loose

It's very pity but alcohol is a very sensitive issue for Saudi cleric. Zero tolerance.

If this britain would drink alcohol why did you not do it like Saudi: cross the bridge of shame between Saudi Arabia and bahrain

write your post in English !!!

You don't understand what he, probably a non-native speakers, means? If so, please go back to school. If you do understand, stop moaning.

[hugh2121]

Inaccurate sensationalist reporting. Saudis have confirmed that lashes were never a part of the punishment. He was sentenced to jail time only.

[Lopchan]

This man has brought this problem onto his own head.

Allegedly he has lived/worked in Saudi for 25 years so he should know what the "rules" are.

The Saudis are remarkably tolerant of Western lifestyles as long as it is kept within the gated compounds where most expats live.

By transporting alcohol he knowingly broke Saudi Law.

But their own go to farangland to do what they can't do in their own country...Even hi-so's..........

So what's your point (if any) Transam? They go outside to partake of things illegal in their own country but LEGAL in "farangland" as you call it. Unfortunately this man was doing something ILLEGAL...does that make it clear for you?

So the London bombings were legal??

How in heck do you make a jump from breaking the alcohol lawin SA to Bombing atrocities in London? You been tippling a bit yourself today have you? And just for the record no.

[thaibeachlovers]

Can't stand the place, imagine living there all those years ??? definetly not for me..

i like my freedom too much, my life , my choices, in a country where i can do what i want (within reason of course).

Depends on the job. If doing a job involving little contact with locals I could have lived there for more than 4 years, but I had too much contact with locals so left.

As a few have mentioned, he knew the law and wilfully broke it so can't complain about the consequences.

[7by7]

This man has brought this problem onto his own head.

Allegedly he has lived/worked in Saudi for 25 years so he should know what the "rules" are.

The Saudis are remarkably tolerant of Western lifestyles as long as it is kept within the gated compounds where most expats live.

By transporting alcohol he knowingly broke Saudi Law.

But their own go to farangland to do what they can't do in their own country...Even hi-so's..........

So what's your point (if any) Transam? They go outside to partake of things illegal in their own country but LEGAL in "farangland" as you call it. Unfortunately this man was doing something ILLEGAL...does that make it clear for you?

I think he is saying that the Saudi's are hypocrites which they are

Cannabis is illegal in the UK.

Many Brits travel to The Netherlands where they can legally partake of cannabis.

Are they, gandalf12, in your opinion, hypocrites as well?

[thaibeachlovers]

But their own go to farangland to do what they can't do in their own country...Even hi-so's..........

So what's your point (if any) Transam? They go outside to partake of things illegal in their own country but LEGAL in "farangland" as you call it. Unfortunately this man was doing something ILLEGAL...does that make it clear for you?

I think he is saying that the Saudi's are hypocrites which they are

Cannabis is illegal in the UK.

Many Brits travel to The Netherlands where they can legally partake of cannabis.

Are they, gandalf12, in your opinion, hypocrites as well?

Those Brits don't have a religion that they claim to live by that says it is a sin to use alcohol etc.

[oxo1947]

I hate it when people say 'You don't need alcohol to have fun.'

You don't need shoes to run, but it <deleted!> helps..............................................

Edited October 14, 2015 by metisdead
Profanity

[thaibeachlovers]

I hate it when people say 'You don't need alcohol to have fun.'

You don't need shoes to run, but it <deleted!> helps..............................................

If one needs alcohol, one shouldn't work in Saudi.

[alanrchase]

I hate it when people say 'You don't need alcohol to have fun.'

You don't need shoes to run, but it <deleted!> helps..............................................

If one needs alcohol, one shouldn't work in Saudi.

It is awash with the stuff. Easier to get a drink there than here. However most is homemade and quality varies.

[johnno2]

i worked there for 15 years. i had an American mate who was 76 when he left. depends on your contract. when my mate left, the Saudis wanted him to stay longer.

i had another mate who made beer and wine for consumption on his compound only. he didn't sell to Saudis. but a Saudi at his work heard that he made alcohol and made a complaint to the mutawa. luckily, my mate had mates who made the complaint disappear. so its a bit like Thailand, don't piss off a Saudi/thai if you want to stay there/here.

who knows what happened in this case? all you can do is feel sorry for the guy and be glad it isn't you that it happened to or else all your farang mates would get on thaivisa and say bad things about you

Edited October 14, 2015 by johnno2

[7by7]

(Nested quotes removed to comply with forum software)

I think he (transam)is saying that the Saudi's (who drink alcohol in other countries) are hypocrites which they are

Cannabis is illegal in the UK.

Many Brits travel to The Netherlands where they can legally partake of cannabis.

Are they, gandalf12, in your opinion, hypocrites as well?

Those Brits don't have a religion that they claim to live by that says it is a sin to use alcohol etc.

Good point.

I guess one of my Jewish friends who enjoys the occasional bacon sandwich must be a hypocrite, too!

[7by7]

I hate it when people say 'You don't need alcohol to have fun.'

You don't need shoes to run, but it f***ing helps..............................................

If one needs alcohol, one shouldn't work in Saudi.

I enjoy a drink, but I don't need it. I've had plenty of fun at parties etc. when I've been the driver and so not drunk any alcohol.

If one needs alcohol, one has a problem!

[TuskegeeBen]

Note to self: Respect culture and rules while a guest in another country.

Allah forbid that a foreign infidel should live in Saudi Arabia, the same way the Saudis themselves do, eh? Somebody (probably another Brit) ratted on that ole boy, in the second instance. At 70+ years-old, he should have known the valued wisdom of the self-kept secret (keep-your-mouth-shut), in the first instance. I really do feel for the ole boy, and his family. What a tragic, and embarrassing sequence of events

Edited October 14, 2015 by TuskegeeBen

[TuskegeeBen]

I hate it when people say 'You don't need alcohol to have fun.'

You don't need shoes to run, but it <deleted!> helps..............................................

If one needs alcohol, one shouldn't work in Saudi.

I enjoy a drink, but I don't need it. I've had plenty of fun at parties etc. when I've been the driver and so not drunk any alcohol.

If one needs alcohol, one has a problem!

So that's the problem with 75% of the world. At last, we have some clarity, on how to finally get humanity sober, for once. Apparently that's what all the current Islamic State insanity is all about? Anti-Alcoholism! Wow! Thanks for your insight

Edited October 14, 2015 by TuskegeeBen

[GinBoy2]

Seems I watch a Banged Up Abroad episode recently about another Brit (a cook I think) who was making booze and selling it. Made millions I seem to recall, until he was stopped by the cops transporting it in his truck. Then the 'fun' began!

It must hardly come as any surprise to these folks what the risks are.

As much as I dislike the Saudi regime and all it does, these guys know what they are getting themselves into when they go to work there

Edited October 14, 2015 by GinBoy2

[Andaman Al]

The irony is that the Judge who sentenced him probably went home that night and poured himself a large scotch.

Did you know ! That the country that consumes the highest amount of Johnny Walker scotch second only to the USA is..........Saudi Arabia. It is a huge business smuggling it in for the Saudi dignitaries and well heeled locals.

Had a mate whose wife was a senior nurse for the Royal's at the Royal hospital. She said all of them without exception and even moreso the Royal women were always in hospital being treated for chronic alcoholism.

Last time I was there I was thirsty and went into the supermarket and bought some red grape juice. At checkout the Indian guy said 'oh sir you have forgotten your sugar and yeast' !! (Which were conveniently placed on the shelf right next to red and white grape juice!

I guess his real crime must have been selling it or providing others with it outside the compound. At his age I don't fancy he will survive a 3 year stint in that jail. Very sad but a barbaric country. Hey wait a minute aren't Saudi now holding the Chair for the UN Human Rights Committee? What a bloody joke.

[copa8]

This man has brought this problem onto his own head.

Allegedly he has lived/worked in Saudi for 25 years so he should know what the "rules" are.

The Saudis are remarkably tolerant of Western lifestyles as long as it is kept within the gated compounds where most expats live.

By transporting alcohol he knowingly broke Saudi Law.

But their own go to farangland to do what they can't do in their own country...Even hi-so's..........

Seems similar to expats in LOS.

[soalbundy]

This man has brought this problem onto his own head.

Allegedly he has lived/worked in Saudi for 25 years so he should know what the "rules" are.

The Saudis are remarkably tolerant of Western lifestyles as long as it is kept within the gated compounds where most expats live.

By transporting alcohol he knowingly broke Saudi Law.

But their own go to farangland to do what they can't do in their own country...Even hi-so's..........

Seems similar to expats in LOS.

lets stay by the whipping, what do the whippers wear ? lack perhaps and can you choose to whipped by a woman of your own choosing, if you are going to be whipped try and get some enjoyment out of it.

[Yahooka]

I read that witch craft also is punishable by death in Saudi.............crazy .

[Soutpeel]

I read that witch craft also is punishable by death in Saudi.............crazy .

There are still witch craft laws on the books in the UK, Canada, Israel and a few former colonies, and i think Tanzania and Uganda still have the death penalty as well

[connda]

There is something seriously wrong with that country. At what point did God say, "Prosper, multiply, and be ye all sadomasochist psychopaths in my name."

Edited October 14, 2015 by connda

[Scott]

Off-topic post removed.

[connda]

This man has brought this problem onto his own head.

Allegedly he has lived/worked in Saudi for 25 years so he should know what the "rules" are.

The Saudis are remarkably tolerant of Western lifestyles as long as it is kept within the gated compounds where most expats live.

By transporting alcohol he knowingly broke Saudi Law.

But their own go to farangland to do what they can't do in their own country...Even hi-so's..........

Seems similar to expats in LOS.

lets stay by the whipping, what do the whippers wear ? lack perhaps and can you choose to whipped by a woman of your own choosing, if you are going to be whipped try and get some enjoyment out of it.

Mark Mothersbaugh should be the defacto Sheikh of Saudi Arabia:

Crack that whip

Give the past a slip

Step on a crack

Break your momma's back

When a problem comes along

You must whip it

Before the cream sets out too long

You must whip it

When something's goin' wrong

You must whip it

Now whip it

Into shape

Shape it up

Get straight

Go forward

Move ahead

Try to detect it

It's not too late

To whip it

Well, whip it good

Written by Mark Mothersbaugh, Mark Allen/Gerald Casale

[vogie]

better stay in the western world nowadays to avoid the savages .

Why do people in this day and age still work or go on holiday to a Muslim country?

Their brains did not even reach the airport.

Money money money, its a rich mans world.

[Yahooka]

I read that witch craft also is punishable by death in Saudi.............crazy .

There are still witch craft laws on the books in the UK, Canada, Israel and a few former colonies, and i think Tanzania and Uganda still have the death penalty as well

Yes on the books in Western countries,maybe...............as for those mentioned African countries,you made my point ;-)

[connda]

The irony is that the Judge who sentenced him probably went home that night and poured himself a large scotch.

Did you know ! That the country that consumes the highest amount of Johnny Walker scotch second only to the USA is..........Saudi Arabia. It is a huge business smuggling it in for the Saudi dignitaries and well heeled locals.

Had a mate whose wife was a senior nurse for the Royal's at the Royal hospital. She said all of them without exception and even moreso the Royal women were always in hospital being treated for chronic alcoholism.

Last time I was there I was thirsty and went into the supermarket and bought some red grape juice. At checkout the Indian guy said 'oh sir you have forgotten your sugar and yeast' !! (Which were conveniently placed on the shelf right next to red and white grape juice!

I guess his real crime must have been selling it or providing others with it outside the compound. At his age I don't fancy he will survive a 3 year stint in that jail. Very sad but a barbaric country. Hey wait a minute aren't Saudi now holding the Chair for the UN Human Rights Committee? What a bloody joke.

Yep. What do all the Saudi princes do when they get to Las Vegas in their private jets? Play mahjong, drink tea, and socialize with modestly dressed escorts whom they send home by 10PM so that they can go to bed early and maintain their celibacy? Oh, and pray 5 times a day in the middle of the casino to demonstrate their piousness. I'm sure that's what they do. If they didn't, they'd surely get 5000 lashes when they returned to the land of sand, oil, whips, severed hands and death by stoning. Very modern in a 13th century sort of way.