Canada questions Saudis over beating

The Canadian Foreign Minsiter, John Manley, says he is very concerned about reports that a Canadian citizen being held in jail in Saudi Arabia may have been beaten.

Mr Manley said that Canada's ambassador to Saudi Arabia had visited the prisoner, William Sampson - one of several foreigners being held in connection with a fatal car bombing in November - and he was awaiting a report.

The National Post newspaper in Ottawa quoted a friend of Mr Sampson as saying that he had been taken to hospital in May with a crushed vertebra, foot injuries and scratched wrists.

Correspondents say the report comes at a sensitive time, with Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah due to visit Ottawa next month.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service