JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- A Saudi man jailed for bragging on television about sexual conquests cannot be released to attend an examination of his case by the government, a court ruled.
The Jeddah Summary Court denied a request by Mazen Abdul Jawad, whose lawyer said he should be present while a special committee of the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Information meets to discuss his case, Arab News reported Wednesday.
Sulaiman Al-Jumaie, Abdul Jawad's attorney, has said he wants the case transferred from the summary court to the Ministry as a media violation, rather than an immorality matter. He also requested that the court hearings be suspended until the ministry reaches a decision. The summary court also denied that request, Arab News said.
Abdul Jawad, who has been charged with violating community standards by boasting about sinful behavior on the LBC satellite channel, has filed his own complaint against the broadcaster, saying it used "creative editing" to make him appear in the worst possible light.
Meanwhile, Jeddah police said two female reporters who were questioned in connection with the case are not accused but are witnesses.
