British Prime Minister David Cameron has answered a family's desperate plea for help on Tuesday, stating that he will personally write to the Saudi authorities to stop them from publicly flogging Karl Andree, a 74-year-old British national. Andree has already served 12 months in jail after Saudi authorities found alcohol in his car, reports The Mirror.
"We have been providing consular assistance to Mr. Andree and his family since he was first arrested and we have raised the case repeatedly in recent weeks. Given the ongoing concerns and the fact we would like to see more progress, the P.M. is writing today to the Saudis to further raise the case," the spokeswoman for the prime minister said.
Andree was arrested in August last year after authorities found homemade wine in his car. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison and a public flogging. The 74-year-old grandfather has already served his time, but his family fears that the flogging will kill him, according to The Sun.
"My dad broke the rules in a country that does not allow alcohol, but he's served his time. Dad is 74 and not a well man. I worry he won't survive this ordeal," his daughter Kristen said.
Andree had been working in Saudi Arabia for about 25 years before he was arrested. He was working as an oil executive, developing and managing locally-owned oil companies. He has also battled cancer three times, and is diagnosed with asthma. His wife, who used to be with him in the Middle Eastern country, is also sick with Alzheimer's disease.
"Our father has given 25 years of his working life to Saudi Arabia and this is how he is treated. Until his arrest, he has been happy working there and felt safe. He is 74 years of age, has had cancer three times and his wife is dying in a home in the UK," his son Simon said.
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