Al-Turki's defense claimed the case against him was a matter of [1] cultural differences. Now the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has lent its influence to attempt to get him out of a prison sentence of 27 years to life, for behavior to which conditions in the Kingdom testify that it does not object.

From [2] Arab News: "Officials Take Up Al-Turki Case With US"

JEDDAH, 4 September 2006 - Saudi officials have held high-level talks with US authorities in order to win the release of Homaidan Al-Turki, the Saudi man who was sentenced Aug. 31 by a Colorado court to 27 years to life in prison, the Saudi Press Agency said in a report yesterday.

"Senior Saudi officials have intervened at the highest level to resolve the case of Al-Turki," the agency said, quoting its correspondent in Washington, Abdul Mohsen Al-Misfer. He did not disclose further details.

According to SPA, American authorities first arrested Al-Turki in 2004 for allegedly violating immigration laws before releasing him on bail. In June 2006, he was arrested again for allegedly mistreating his Indonesian maid.

Al-Turki, a 37-year-old resident of Denver, was sentenced to 27 years to life in prison after he was convicted of unlawful sexual contact by use of force, theft and extortion.

Al-Turki, a linguist who worked at a Denver publishing and translating firm, denied the charges and blamed anti-Muslim prejudice for his conviction. He also said that prosecutors persuaded the housekeeper to accuse him after they failed to build a case against him as a terrorist.

Al-Turki said he had been under investigation as a suspected terrorist since 1995 but had never been charged with anything.