Justice in the Middle East
A Dutchman, an Australian, and a New Zealander are in Saudi Arabia,
sharing a smuggled crate of booze when Saudi police rush in and arrest
them. The mere possession of alcohol is a severe offense in Saudi Arabia,
so for the terrible crime of actually being caught consuming the booze,
they are all sentenced to death. However, after many months and with the
help of very good lawyers, they are able to successfully appeal their
sentences down to life imprisonment.
By a stroke of luck, it was a Saudi national holiday the day their trial
finished, and the extremely benevolent Sheik decided they could be released
after receiving just 20 lashes each of the whip. As they were preparing for
their punishment, the Sheik announced: "It's my esteemed father's birthday
today, and he has asked me to allow each of you one wish before your
whipping."
The Dutchman was first in line, he thought for a while and then said:
"Please tie a pillow to my back." This was done, but the pillow only lasted
10 lashes before the whip went through. When the punishment was done he
had to be carried away bleeding and crying with pain.
The Australian was next up. After watching the Dutchman in horror he said
smugly: "Please fix TWO pillows to my back." But even two pillows could
only take 15 lashes before the whip went through again and the Australian
was soon led away whimpering and wailing loudly (... as they do anyway).
The New Zealander was the last one up, but before he could say anything,
the Sheik turned to him and said: "You are from a most beautiful part of
the world and your culture is one of the finest in the world. For this, you
may have two wishes!"
"Thank you, your Most Royal and Merciful highness", the Kiwi replied. "In
recognition of your kindness, my first wish is that you give me not 20, but
100 lashes."
"Not only are you an honorable, handsome and powerful man, you are also
very brave!!" The Sheik said with an admiring look on his face. "If 100
lashes is what you desire, then so be it!
"And your second wish, what is it to be?" the Sheik asked.
The Kiwi replied: "... That you would tie the Australian to my back."
