SYDNEY, 13 March 2003 — An Australian man flogged in Saudi Arabia for a crime committed by his wife may be released early, his family said yesterday. Robert Thomas was sentenced to 16 months in jail and 300 lashings in June 2001 after his Filipino wife was convicted of stealing hospital equipment. Thomas, 56, was found guilty by association.
Thomas’ daughter Sarah Munro said that the ministry had informed her that prison authorities in the Kingdom were recommending her father’s early release.
A Foreign Ministry spokeswoman was unable to confirm any early release decision, although she said consular officials visited Thomas in prison on Monday.
