Abu Dhabi: A court in eastern Saudi Arabia has sentenced a husband to 20 lashes for allegedly hitting his wife on her shoulder.

The case was filed one month ago in Al Qateef by the wife, who presented a medical report supporting her claim.

According to Gulf News, the husband, in his 30s, said that he did not mean to hurt his wife and said that he was merely joking with her.

Even though the wife later told the authorities that she was dropping the case after reconciliation with her husband, the prosecution refused to dismiss the public charges.

The judge ruled that the wife had the right to attend the flogging.