AFP

Dubai, Dec 19 (mb): A royal pardon granted to a Saudi gang rape victim in the face of US criticism of her prosecution drew lavish praise from the kingdom's loyal press on Tuesday but anger from its outspoken bloggers.   

Newspapers paid tribute to the "mercy" shown by King Abdullah in sparing the married 19-year-old woman the six months in jail and 200 lashes handed down for breaching the strict segregation of the sexes imposed in the ultra-conservative Muslim kingdom.   

But Internet critics voiced dismay that the king had acted after public criticism from US President George W. Bush of the fact that the woman had been prosecuted even though she had been raped at knifepoint by seven men after being found in a car with an unrelated male companion.   

The royal pardon was "fresh proof of the wisdom and mercy of the father of the nation," wrote Al-Watan newspaper's columnist Abdullah al-Almi.   

"It is a victory for justice... and for the defence of human rights and an affirmation of female dignity."   

Several newspapers gave prominent coverage to comments by the victim's husband hailing the "noble gesture" of the king.   

The Saudi edition of the pan-Arab daily Al-Hayat quoted the rape victim herself as saying she was "unable to find the words to thank the father of the people."   

But reaction on Internet websites dedicated to carrying uncensored commentary on the kingdom's affairs was far more critical.