Fear for deported Saudi 'ridiculous', says Malaysian home minister
The Malaysian government has defended its decision to deport a young Saudi journalist who faces a possible death penalty at home for allegedly insulting the Prophet Mohamed on Twitter.
Human rights groups have condemned Malaysia – but the home minister Hishammuddin Hussein said his country was not a safe haven for fugitives.
Hamza Kashgari, 23, a columnist on a newspaper in Jedda, was detained at a Malaysian airport while in transit on Thursday, and deported on Sunday.
Mr Hussein said allegations that Mr Kashgari could be tortured and killed were "ridiculous" because Saudi Arabia was a respectable country.
AP
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies