25 May 2013

Parents of accused man to travel to Saudi Arabia

7:45 pm on 25 May 2013

The parents of an Australian man charged with terrorism offences in Saudi Arabia plan to travel to the kingdom to support their son and plead on his behalf.

Shayden Thorne, 25, originally from Perth, has been in custody since November 2011. The five charges he faces include supporting and encouraging terrorism.

The ABC reports Mr Thorne has made admissions regarding the accusations, but says he signed statements only because he was tortured.

His next hearing will take place next week.

Mr Thorne's parents have asked the foreign affairs department staff for more support.

The department says it has made more than 50 representations to Saudi authorities.