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A Saudi dissident facing deportation was granted permission Thursday to stay in Britain, and he immediately vowed to carry on a campaign that threatens the arms trade between the two nations.
The extension for Mohammed al-Masari came despite earlier Saudi Arabian threats to cancel huge armaments deals unless he is expelled. After the ruling, though, the Saudi ambassador here said his government had no problem with the decision.
Al-Masari may apply for an extension at the end of four years, and he is free to travel abroad and return to Britain without hindrance, the government said.
Al-Masari, 49, was arrested in Saudi Arabia in 1993, and held for six months. He says he was tortured. He fled to Britain on his release.
