RIYADH, Nov 18: The Saudi Shariah court sentenced seven protestors who were arrested in Jeddah for taking part in a demonstration on Oct 23 to jail terms ranging from one to three months, and lashes to two.

The demonstrators were also made to sign a written undertaking not to resort to such actions in future. The protestors were charged with obstructing the security men from doing their duties, the Okaz Arabic daily said.

Two of them, a Saudi and a Sudanese, pleaded not guilty. The Sudanese was sentenced to three months in jail, 50 lashes and deportation. The Saudi, who refused to repent and own any wrongdoing, was sentenced to two months prison term and 60 lashes.

Five were given one month prison term after they pleaded guilty to participation in the protest, it was reported. They submitted to the court they were sorry and vowed not to join any such action again.

The defendants have vowed to challenge the decision in the Court of Cessation (appeals court).

Meanwhile, Sheikh Ali Al-Khudair, a well known Islamic scholar, who was arrested in Madina for his religious edicts supporting extremist attacks, has denounced the terrorist attacks on Makkah and Riyadh and repented his earlier stance on the issue.