Saudi bomb suspect to be deported from USA

The authorities in the United States have decided to deport a Saudi man suspected of involvement in attacks against US military targets in Saudi Arabia, including a bombing in Dharan in 1996, in which nineteen Americans were killed.

Criminal charges against the man, Hani al-Sayegh, have been dropped for lack of evidence, but Justice Department officials said he still posed a security threat.

The officials said it had not yet been decided where to send Mr al-Sayegh; Saudi Arabia is seeking his extradition, but his lawyers say he would face torture if returned there.

Mr al-Sayegh agreed last year to be deported from Canada to the United States to avoid being sent to Saudi Arabia.

At first he said he would help the American inquiries, but later changed his mind and refused to co-operate.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service