Saudi authorities detain 11 princes for protesting over economic situation

For daring to stage a protest in the city of Riyadh against austerity measures imposed by the Saudi authorities, 11 princes are now cooling their heels in detention after an order was issued for their arrest.

The arrest of the 11 princes became public knowledge after Sabq, a Saudi website revealed that the protesters were detained after gathering at al-Hakem palace to demonstrate against a government decision to make the country’s royalty pay their utility bills.

Hours after the arrest of the 11 princes, Saudi authorities issued a statement saying; “They were arrested after they refused to leave the palace and were put in al-Ha’ir prison in preparation for their trial.”

Read also: SAUDI ARABIA: 11 Princes, 4 Ministers,Others, Docked For Corruption

“The 11 individuals officially were arrested because they were complaining about the fact that they had asked for subsidies for water and electricity, and for some reason they were denied,” said analyst Joseph Kechichian.

“Other reports say that in fact they were cousins of a prince who was executed in October 2016 and that they had come to ask for retribution,” he added. It’s very conflicting at this point, we don’t know exactly what is going on.”

Upon arrest, they were sent to a notorious maximum-security facility south of Riyadh in contrast to dozens of other high-profile figures who were detained in a luxury hotel last year during an anti-corruption drive.

Two months ago, 11 princes, four sitting ministers and dozens of former ministers were detained on corruption charges hours after a new anti-corruption committee, headed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was formed by royal decree.

 

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