Press Release

Appeal Victory for Legally Aided Britons Jailed in Saudi Arabia

28 October 2004

Three legally-aided Britons who were jailed in Saudi Arabia have succeeded in an appeal, which may allow them to sue for damages.

Judgment in an appeal against the High Court's refusal to allow cases relating to former Saudi prisoners to be heard in England and Wales was made by the Court of Appeal today.

The Court of Appeal had heard appeals by Sandy Mitchell, Bill Sampson and Les Walker. They are in receipt of funding from the Legal Services Commission for their appeals. They allege that during detention in Saudi Arabia they were tortured so as to extract a confession to a campaign of bombings in Saudi Arabia. They wish to bring a claim for damages for personal injury against their alleged torturers.

The cases were listed at the same time as a similar appeal by Ron Jones. Mr Jones was not funded by the Commission.

The major difference between the two groups is that the appeals funded by the Legal Services Commission are claims against the individuals alleged to have carried out the torture and Mr Jones is claiming against the Saudi state.

This judgment means that the funded men may, subject to any appeal to the House of Lords, continue with their claim for damages.

Media Information:

Dan Kellingley, 020 7759 0415
Richard Shand, 020 7759 0491
Gary Spink, 020 7759 0493 or 07843 643052

Last updated: 28 December 2006