What will the outcome be?

[Kip Powick]

PM urged to aid man facing beheading

The Canadian Press

MONTREAL–Liberal MP Dan McTeague says Ottawa must appeal directly to Saudi King Abdullah to spare the life of a Montreal man facing beheading.

McTeague says time is running out for Mohamed Kohail, 23, who faces beheading in Saudi Arabia after being found guilty of the beating death of a 19-year-old Syrian in a brawl in Jeddah last year.

Kohail's appeal was denied a few days ago with a written decision expected as early as today.

McTeague (Pickering Scarborough East) says Kohail's fate lies in the hands of the newly created Saudi Supreme Court, and barring that, a reversal of the execution order directly from King Abdullah himself.

He says Ottawa must appeal directly to the king if they hope to spare Kohail's life and by extension, that of his younger brother, who is also facing the possibility of death.

"I'm hopeful that if the Canadian government is involved, that Mr. Kohail stands a better chance of having his life spared," McTeague said.

Mohamed and his younger brother Sultan were charged after a schoolyard brawl in January 2007 that involved dozens of teenage boys. Sultan faces similar charges but is free on bail pending an appearance before the same court that convicted his brother.

Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lisa Monette said Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon is aware of the predicament facing Kohail.

"Minister Cannon has been briefed on the case and has directed his officials to meet with the Saudi charge d'affaires in Ottawa and raise the issue again," Monette said.

Cannon's involvement and that of Prime Minister Stephen Harper is paramount, McTeague said.

"This isn't about diplomatic pleasantries, this is about life and death ... that should motivate the minister and the Prime Minister to action," McTeague said.