Valentine's Day with one partner can be difficult enough. Try six! Our American in Arabia, Brett, goes to town with this Saudi story of a man who got caught having six wives, which is technically illegal according to Muslim law. Being arrested and lashed just might be the least of his troubles on the holiday of love.
The Saudi Gazette reports that "a Hai’a security inspector has been fined SR3,000, six weeks in prison and 120 lashes for marrying" six , count them, six women.
Prior to any lashing, there is usually some prison time. A very unreliable source has discovered the man asked for his lashes on February 14th, and then another week in prison. Apparently, jail and lashes was more desirable than Valentine’s Day for 6 wives.
Authorities were not fooled by his scheme and have agreed to lift the incarceration, lashing and instead, are requiring him to be home all day for the Valentine’s Holiday. The convicted security inspector is required to write a poem, cook a meal, give a foot rub and hand feed chocolate-dipped strawberries to each wife.
It is now rumored that the man has petitioned the government to double his lashes and prison time to avoid being quarantined at home during Valentine’s Day. The high court has taken offence to this challenge and is now, in addition to the strawberries and foot rubs, requiring the man to spend 2 full hours with each wife listening to her wants and dreams. There are plans of an appeal.
By Brett Weer
