TV confession to bomb campaign by British men

Three British nationals today appeared on Saudi state television, confessing their responsibility for a bombing campaign in the kingdom, it is reported today.

Les Walker, Jamie Patrick Lee and James Cottle confessed to three attacks which injured three people, including a British man.

The three men described the attacks in almost exact detail, using street maps and photographs.

They claimed to have received orders, though they would not say from whom, and that two of the bombs were activated by remote control.

A motive for the attacks was not given.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International have criticised Saudi authorities for televising the apparent confessions.

Amnesty's UK communications director Maggie Paterson said: "Guilt or innocence is a matter for the courts, not television studios. Saudi authorities should be concentrating on allowing detainees access to lawyers."

The broadcasting of 'confessions' is in breach of fair trial standards. According to Amnesty, the broadcast gives rise to concerns about how the confessions were obtained.