Saudi Arabian Court Re-Sentences Television Host to Death for Sorcery

It appears that Lebanese talk show host Ali Hussain Sibat is again facing death for sorcery in Saudi Arabia. A court in Medina reaffirmed his conviction despite being reversed earlier by the court of appeals. He was convicted of claiming to be able to predict the future on his show, which is treated as a form of witchcraft in the Kingdom.

The popular show aired on Sheherazade, a Beirut based satellite TV channel. Sibat, 48, is the father of five who would give advice to the audience with a mix of common sense and claims to be able to see into the future. He did not appear to see this coming.

He was arrested in May 2008 while visiting Saudi Arabia to perform the Islamic religious pilgrimage known as Umra.

The Court of Appeal in Mecca ruled that his sentencing was “premature.” However, the original court promptly reinstated the sentence.

For the full story, click here.