Doctors' sentencing downplayed
2008-11-27 21:31
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Cairo - Egypt's foreign minister on Thursday downplayed the case of two Egyptian doctors sentenced to prison and lashes in Saudi Arabia.
He says the "media fuss" over it could have serious consequences.
Ahmed Aboul Gheit says that while Egypt doesn't accept flogging as punishment, the case should be "calmly discussed" and resolved between Egyptian and Saudi authorities.
The doctors were convicted earlier this month of illicit trading of pharmaceuticals in Saudi Arabia and one also on charges of having affairs with his female patients.
Egyptian media and human rights groups have criticised Riyadh over the case and demanded President Hosni Mubarak, who has close ties with the Saudi royal family, intervene to free the doctors.
- AP