we have an update now on a shocking story we've been following here in "the situation room." sounds like a story from a different century. a popular lebanese tv host is facing the death penalty in saudi arabia, accused of practicing sorcery. now cnn has learned he could be beheaded, as early as friday. cnn's mohammed jamjoom has the background. >> reporter: this little girl's father went to the birthplace of islam in an effort to cleanse his soul. he ended up in a struggle to save his life. two years ago, ali hussain sibat was arrested while on a religious pilgrimage to saudi arabia. the charge? sorcery. he was put on trial, found guilty, and sentenced to death. why? >> because maybe what he was doing is something against the religion. >> reporter: sibat was hosting a popular tv call-in show in his native lebanon.