SAUDI COURT FORMALIZES CHARGES AGAINST JAILED CHRISTIAN FROM INDIABrian O’Connor, a Christian guest worker from India, appeared before an Islamic court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Sept. 15, nearly six months after he was arrested, tortured and jailed for allegedly “spreading Christianity” in the strict Islamic kingdom. O’Connor was informed for the first time of the legal charges against him, including possession of alcohol and pornographic movies and preaching Christianity. It was unclear whether any attempt was made to produce evidence of the charges. O’Connor reportedly acknowledged that he led Bible studies for expatriate Christians in his home which is illegal under Saudi Arabia’s controversial policies. O’Connor, who has been jailed since March, is one of about 6 million foreign workers in the country, most of whom are not Muslim. Middle East Concern (MEC) reported that he ”led study sessions for Catholic immigrants from different countries.” AsiaNews, a Catholic news service, joined an international campaign Friday, Sept. 17, in an effort to pressure the Saudi government into freeing O’Connor.From the news flow at Intercessors Network
