FIFA World Cup: Spain hold brave Morocco to enter next stage
Kaliningrad (Russia), June 26 : Morocco almost created the biggest upset of the 2018 FIFA World Cup before a late goal handed Spain a 2-2 draw in a Group B match here on Monday.
Khalid Boutaib gifted Morocco a surprise lead in the 14th minute before Isco (19th) restored parity for Spain five minutes later.
Youssef En-Nesyri gave Morocco the lead for the second time in the 81st minute. But Iago Aspas scored in second half injury time to avoid an embarrassing defeat for Spain.
Spain thus finished the group stage with five points from three matches and are through to the second round.
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Mangaluru man released early from Saudi jail under National Day Amnesty
Mangaluru: A 66-year-old man from Mangaluru, Karnataka, who was serving a three-year jail sentence in Saudi Arabia, has been granted early release under the Kingdom’s National Day amnesty program. The man, identified as Ahmed Imran (name changed), worked as a driver in Jeddah before his arrest in September 2023.
Ahmed’s troubles began during a routine day at work when a neighborhood boy repeatedly harassed him while he was washing his employer’s car. Despite having previously complained to the boy's father about his behavior, no action was taken. Frustrated by the continued disturbances, Ahmed pushed the boy away. However, the boy reported the incident to his father, allegedly exaggerating the events.
The boy’s father lodged a police complaint, which led to Ahmed’s arrest. Following court proceedings, Ahmed was sentenced to three years in jail. Lacking the financial means to hire a defense lawyer, Ahmed was unable to appeal the judgment.
After his sentencing, Ahmed’s family and local leaders from Karnataka reached out for assistance. Dr. & Adv. P.A. Hameed Padubidri, a Riyadh-based pro bono lawyer and social worker originally from Udupi, took up the case. Dr. Hameed and his Saudi legal team worked to resolve the matter, including attempts to negotiate with the complainant. However, these efforts were unsuccessful.
As a final step, Dr. Hameed advised Ahmed’s family to submit a mercy petition to the authorities. Following consistent follow-ups, Ahmed’s case was included in Saudi Arabia's National Day amnesty program, which facilitates the early release of eligible inmates.
Ahmed was released within a year of his sentence, bringing relief to his family in India. Upon his return, he expressed gratitude to his employer in Jeddah and the individuals who assisted him during his ordeal, including Dr. Hameed, K.S. Nasir Asaigoli, a social worker from Mangaluru, and Azhar from Jeddah.
The National Day amnesty program, a regular initiative by Saudi Arabia, offers relief to many individuals, reflecting the Kingdom’s efforts to uphold principles of justice and clemency. Ahmed’s release highlights the importance of community support and legal intervention for expatriates facing challenges abroad.
