Saudi Govt to Release 316 Indonesians Unconditionally

The Saudi government will in the near future unconditionally set free 316 Indonesian nationals who are being held throughout Saudi Arabia, Law and Human Rights Minister Patrialis Akbar said.
The minister made the statement through a teleconference from Saudi Arabia to the press here on Sunday. "The Indonesian ambassador and consul general will provide assistance in order to speed up the settlement of the administrative matters," the minister said.
The minister said that after a field check was made it was known that there were a number of 316 Indonesians who were being held in 12 Saudi provinces.
"All of them will be released, except those (23 persons) who are facing capital punishment. Most of them are TKIs (Indonesian migrant workers) including the women."
Patrialis Akbar stated that negotiations in early phases with the Saudi government officials went toughly, but finally coordination with the Saudi government went on smoothly. Even, the Saudi side was gladly to set them free.
"The kinds of crime they have committed varied. Some are theft, magic and some are fined for 12 years," the minister said.
Kompas