Saudi journalist Hamza Kashgari has repented for his tweets deemed insulting to the Prophet Mohammed, according to a family member. They said Kashgari, 23, “has affirmed to his family that he stands by his repentance, that he has made a mistake and regrets it.”

The newspaper columnist fled Saudi Arabia after tweeting a mock conversation between himself and the prophet Mohammed that sparked thousands of responses, including death threats. He was arrested and detained upon his arrival in Malaysia on 9 February, before being sent back to Saudi in controversial circumstancs.  He may be accused of apostasy, which is a capital offence in his native Saudi Arabia.