Edmonton imam home after Saudi detention
Colleague says Usama Al-Atar is excited to see his wife, child
CBC News
Posted: Nov 19, 2011 4:48 PM MT
Last Updated: Nov 19, 2011 4:44 PM MT
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The Edmonton imam who was arrested and reportedly beaten by authorities in Saudi Arabia is back home.
Usama Al-Atar was leading a pilgrimage in the city of Medina when he was arrested and briefly detained last month.
Mahmood Mavani, who works with Al-Atar in Edmonton, says the imam was eager to see his wife and young child.
"The family needs that time to themselves right now because they've gone through a lot," he said.
Mavani says the community is relieved to have the imam back.
Al-Atar is expected to speak publicly on Sunday about his ordeal.
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