Remaining Saudi corruption detainees may face trial in terrorism courts'

More than 50 Saudi nationals are still in detention in an unspecified location as part of a purported corruption and could stand trial in 'terror courts'.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab & agencies

08 April, 2018

Main entrance of the Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh after reopening for business [Getty]

Dozens of Saudi detainees held as part of a purported anti-corruption probe launched in November could be referred to specialist terrorism courts, Ashar al-Awsat reported Sunday.

They include individuals who refused to agree to confidential settlements with the government and others guilty of a "greater offence", said Saudi Arabia's deputy attorney-general Saud al-Hamad.

"Each of these cases will be dealt with separately. Some will be examined by departments specialised in money laundering, while others will be referred to courts specialised in issues of national security and terrorism," he added.

More than 350 Saudi royals, ministers and tycoons were swept up in the November probe led by Crown Prince and de facto leader Mohammed bin Salman. Of those, 56 who did not reach financial settlements still remain in custody.

Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojed said in late January that those released agreed to financial settlements totalling more than $107 billion in various forms of assets and cash.

The whereabouts of the 56 who remain in custody are unknown. Their initial holding place, the glamorous Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh, was reopened to the public on 11 February after serving as a makeshift detention facility.

Saudi Arabia's prosecutor general has launched fresh investigations and judicial proceedings against those 56 detainees, Hamad said.

"Depending on the result, the investigation will be referred to the relevant court," he added.

Saudi King Salman in March ordered the creation of specialised anti-corruption units to investigate and prosecute graft cases. Officials have not made public the charges against suspects detained at the Ritz-Carlton.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the 32-year-old son of the king, is behind the unprecedented probe, which was used to consolidate his grip on power.

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Observers say the probe is a shakedown and power grab aimed at seizing billions in assets for state coffers. Saudi Arabia is currently grappling with low oil prices despite fighting a costly war in Yemen and financing a public sector that employs more than 80 per cent of Saudi nationals.

According to a New York Times report, more than 17 of the 381 total detainees were hospitalised for physical abuse. One Saudi military officer who had been among the detainees also later died while in custody.

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