Riyadh: Saudi princes, ex-ministers arrested, officials sacked in sweeping purge


Crackdown comes soon after global investment meet with business titans

Riyadh, Nov 5 (Agencies): Saudi Arabia arrested 11 princes, including a prominent billionaire, and dozens of current and former ministers, reports said, in a sweeping crackdown as the kingdom's young crown prince consolidates power.

Separately, the head of the Saudi National Guard, once a leading contender to the throne, as well as the navy chief and the economy minister were replaced in a series of high-profile sackings that sent shock waves in the kingdom.

The crackdown was reported immediately after a new anti-corruption commission, headed by powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was established by royal decree late Saturday.


King Salman

Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television reported that the princes, four current and dozens of former ministers were arrested as the commission launched a probe into old cases such as floods that devastated the Red Sea city of Jeddah in 2009.

State-run Saudi Press Agency said the commission's goal was to "preserve public money, punish corrupt people and those who exploit their positions".

Saudi billionaire Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal was among those arrested, Saudi news websites said though there was no official confirmation. The prince was not reachable for comment.

An aviation source told AFP that security forces had grounded private jets in Jeddah, possibly to prevent any high-profile figures from leaving.

Meanwhile, the kingdom's top council of clerics tweeted that anti-corruption efforts were "as important as the fight against terrorism", essentially giving religious backing to the crackdown.

"The breadth and scale of the arrests appears to be unprecedented in modern Saudi history," said Kristian Ulrichsen, a fellow at the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University.

"The reported detention of Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, if true, would send shock waves through the domestic and international business community," Ulrichsen told AFP.

Widening crackdown

The purge comes less than two weeks after Prince Mohammed welcomed thousands of global business titans to Riyadh for an investment summit, showcasing his economic reform drive for a post-oil era.

It follows a wave of arrests of influential clerics and activists in September as the 32-year-old prince, often known as MBS, cements his grip on power.

Analysts said many of those detained were resistant to Prince Mohammed's aggressive foreign policy that includes the boycott of Gulf neighbour Qatar as well as some of his bold policy reforms, including privatising state assets and cutting subsidies.

The latest purge saw Prince Miteb bin Abdullah sacked as the head of the National Guard, an elite internal security force. His removal consolidates MBS's control of the kingdom's security institutions.

To analysts, MBS's meteoric rise has seemed almost Shakespearean in its aggression and calculation. In June, he edged out a 58-year-old cousin, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, to become heir to the throne.

At the time, Saudi television channels showed the bearded MBS kissing the hand of the older prince and kneeling before him in a show of reverence. Western media reports later said that the deposed prince had been placed under house arrest, a claim strongly denied by Saudi authorities.

Already viewed as the de facto ruler controlling all the major levers of government, from defence to the economy, the prince is widely seen to be stamping out traces of internal dissent before a formal transfer of power from his 81-year-old father King Salman.

At the same time, he has projected himself as a liberal reformer in the ultra-conservative kingdom with a series of bold moves including the decision allowing women to drive from next June.

Foreign diplomats predict MBS, set to be the first millennial to occupy the Saudi throne, could well be in control of Saudi Arabia for at least half a century.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Don, Mangalore

    Mon, Nov 06 2017

    What is lacking is democracy and freedom in the Islamic world.

    Democracy is not the most perfect system and has drawbacks, but in my humble opinion there is nothing better out there. However, in the Islamic world there are those who claim that they alone are the ones who purportedly speak on behalf of their deity. They are self appointed, they interpret and enforce laws on the rest of humanity that they themselves do not practice and preach.

    The proof that democracy works, is in seeing the great development and advancement in every field made by the West. Whereas non democratic countries constantly see turmoil and they and/or their citizens regularly go to the West to resolve their problems. India and Pakistan both got independence at the same time, see where Pakistan is today see India, though our roots are the same but see the difference. In India there are several hundreds of sects of Islam and everyone can not only survive, it can thrive. But see what happens to an Ahmadi in Pakistan, a Shia in Saudi, or a Sunni in Iran, you'll can see and judge for yourself.

    Presently, there is a power struggle, if young prince has to survive he has no choice than to depose all his rivals. If he does not, he will be deposed. This power should only be with the people to accept or reject their rulers. This will give long term stability and every few years there must be a peaceful transfer of power. Sadly in a one man show, it become incumbent on the present or acting head of state to get rid of his rivals and to consolidate power. It is very dangerous to give that kind of power to a hand full of people, for in the long run we will see armed uprisings and a violent overthrow of their rulers.

    Lastly every person has a free mind and deserves his or her voice to be heard. This is only possible when the country is truly democratic. If not we'll see strife and disturbances forever and shamelessly everyone else will be blamed except the ones perpetrating it.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rob Stan, Udupi / US

    Mon, Nov 06 2017

    Oil price has come down from $120 to $50. Oil is flowing from Libya, Iraq, Iran which was being held up by their respective dictator's for their personal benefit. Saudi is a big country with some percentage of people who are not doing that well. They won't be able to manage their budget & take care of their people with oil price around $50. So they have thought of Vision 2030 & going after Solar power & AI. UAE & Kuwait would not have much problem as they're small countries with less population. Qatar is sharing gas filed with Iran. There is global tendency to reduce using of oil & increase usage of gas due to pollution concerns; so Qatar & Iran have advantage here, but Iran too has a big population unlike Qatar. Oman is also a big country with comparatively high population, but less resources. Bahrain doesn't have much oil & dependent on business & tourism.

    DisAgree Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ruben Pinto, Mangalore/Australia

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    This is nothing new. In the desert culture, it has happened in the past and also will happen in the future.

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alwyn, Canada

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    Best solution for saudi is open up immigration for all without religious bias. Purely based on educational credentials. Open up chruched,temples, gurdwara, . You will be prosper like West. All will benifit as well as your country. Right now you are holding like it's only us and not you. Beware this is 2017 and no one want to see the way you run your country. Every human need freedom also animals too.how long u can stay in a conservative land without allowing others to entertain. Soon gas will be obsolete and then no one look at you.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • arun, mangalore

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    pure power struggle. saudi is going to implode!!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Anil, Mangalore

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    Most people commenting here are lauding the Saudi government for fighting corruption, but the truth is these arrests and sackings have nothing to do with corruption but consolidating power by deposing rivals under the guise of fighting corruption, this is a tactic employed by Xi Jinping in China and something similar is being enacted in Saudi Arabia.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    JNB, Mangalore-Mumbai

    I fully agree with you.
    I too remember some ordinary guys like bus conductor, rickshaw driver or laundry (ironing job) becoming Restaurant owners, owners of dozens of buses, finance company etc. Sheer by hard work and sincerity it is impossible. Business & politics gives greater success rather than white color jobs. Wealth follows only by corrupt practices. Or else, by working hard in a Gulf country. At least we can earn & look after family and make some savings for retirement age.

    DisAgree Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Joseph, Qatar

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    Even though this has a vernacular backward class mentality and hated by the world, Saudi Arabia still shows the world how powerful it can be and how swiftly it can act. It leads by example without any partiality..

    To top it all - corruption is rampant that too even in a strict conservative society under the guise of Sharia Law prevailing in the entire Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Corruption has never and can never leave anybody scott-free, no matter what. It haunts and follows its natural path ... human beings are susceptible to this.

    What I liked the best part of all is ... the private jets owned by the ex-ministers and officials HAVE BEEN GROUNDED with no escape routes for any of the guilty to move out of the Kingdom. This is called discipline and swift professional action. We can NEVER EVER expect this in India. I can vouch with a great deal of confidence AND even write it in my blood and tell THAT WE CAN NEVER IN THIS GENERATION OR THE FUTURE GENERATION, MOVE EVEN A SHRED CLOSER OR NEARER TO SAUDI ARABIA's actions. What is even more surprising is that the action was so swift that these people must have not even seen this coming or heard such an unprecedented move. They must have been cornered at all ends and not had the time to react..leave aside planning to flee out of the Kingdom. I salute Saudi Arabia for such a bold move.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • JNB, Mangalore-Mumbai

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    Politicians in Karanataka -
    *Mangalore one time bus ticket agent became building contractor getting sala mela from J. Poojariessala-mela- baghya later district in-charge minister now billionaire.
    **Typist at taluk office became Yeddy's right hand now owner of more than 500 acres of coffee estate , and multi millionaire too.
    ***Is it possible to become by hard earned money even if you work day and night- 7 days a week?

    DisAgree [1] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • moshu, mangaluru

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    Saudi arabia is far ahead in all parts of governance than that of so called "civilized and democratic countries".

    DisAgree [19] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alwyn, Canada

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    MoshU in what ways?
    Current situation is a power struggle. Hate and ego has no place on this earth that is why middle east is still struggling to live in peace because most of them still dont understand there are hindus, Christian, buddist, Jews and list goes on lI've on this earth. Look at saudi today any other religious worship places there but the same people send funds to build biggest mosques. Is that called good governance? Please explain in simple English.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    Beowulf, Mangalore
    Well written comments.
    BJP wants to win majorities by bringing well balanced religious sentiments and anti-historical incidents pin pointing certain minority community based incidents.. By fielding Swamis in main stream politics, they think that majority Hindu votes shall pour towards BJP. Actually they are influenced only by Hindutva hounor rather than countries or peoples benefits. Looks like, we are going through a dangerous political journey at present.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    If Politicians get arrested in India, then 100% Mayavati party, 90% Akhilesh Party, 80% Congress Leaders & 50% BJP leaders will be behind bars....

    Note: In Karnataka 80% JD, 60% Congress , 50% BJP.., Congress lost LS election only because of Corruption..Now, they are losing in Assembly election too..

    DisAgree [44] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Janush, Mangalore

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    99% politicians are corrupt so your research in corruption percentage chart is 100% wrong. There is no religion for terrorism and no political party for corruption. Any uneducated greedy person can be a politician in India and any sick minded can be a terrorist in whole world.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • Abdul Rauf, Jeddah

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    All Swiss Bank Accounts of Indian Politicians should be made to public.

    All parties big politicians have account in Swiss Banks. Indian government is not ready to disclose this...

    They want to target only middle class people and ruin their life. This is being done by Congress, BJP and All Political Parties.

    But, congress and BJP politicians shout / alleges corruption each other in public. In secret, inside they are friends. So only, Swiss Bank Account Money still safe for all politicians for next 10 generations..

    DisAgree [2] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pinto, BLR

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    When can we expect such drastic steps to remove unholy nexus of political parties & corporate houses for mutual benefit like crude oil, gas pricing etc at the expense of ordinary citizens ?

    It happened in South Korea like Samsung vs Korean government recently when people revolted.

    I think only Arvind Kejrival, the one & only AK47 of common man can do this in India.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    Shettre,
    Then follows BJP members.
    It should not be the case of 'Justice delayed, justice denied'
    So many have comfortably taken shelter.
    The Rats will comeout sooner or later.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jay, Mangalore

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    If they follow this rule in India, almost all the MLA's and MP's from all the parties will go to jail for sure.
    ,

    DisAgree [1] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • S.M. Nawaz Kukkikatte, Dubai

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    Saudi shows Law is equal for all without any politics or separate rule for for Billionaire, Millionaire and Poor.
    Modern changes done by others but In India Law maker them selves corrupted and supporting Billionaire for Power hungry and looting from Poor and middle class people

    DisAgree [6] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ivar, Mangalore

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    Hope this doesn't escalate the youth up spring there. One can not underestimate the power and influence of Prince Waleed in Saudi.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Nithya, Mangalore

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    If Prince Salman succeeds, he will be one of the very few greatest revolutionists in the world ever.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [36] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mahendra Shetty, Mumbai Mangalore

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    NOW THE TIME UP FOR SONIA, RAHUL , CHIDAMBARAM AND SON, SIBBAL, VADRA WILL BE IN JAIL.................

    DisAgree [93] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • geoffrey, hat hill

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    That was just a poll rhetoric or Jumla. The rulers understand very well that those who live in glass houses shouldn't pelt stones at others.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Reshmi Salian, Mangalore

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    I wish Modi is able to do that and I am sure Modi will not do that as he doesn't have guts like Prince Salman. Modi is just a bolbachan. If he try to arrest the corrupt, then more than 95% of MLA's/MP's will be in jail. But pathetic to see your comments as you have ignored our own Yediyurappa, Shobha, Vasundhara Raje, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Fadnavis, Miss Munde, Raman Singh, Jaitley, Gadkari and many BJP stalwarts.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • John Tauro, M'luru / Kwt

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    @ Reshmi Salian,
    Delete Jaitley & Gadkari. They have already filed defamation case against Kejriwal. They can sue you too.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • khaled, Mangalore / Riyadh

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    Shettre add Amith Sha Son Jay Sha, Yediyurappa and reddigaru

    DisAgree [1] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • HARISH SHETTY, Udupi/Mysuru

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    Mahendra Shetty, Mumbai Mangalore WHY YOU HAVE JUST MENTION ONLY THOSE NAMES???? THERE ARE SO MANY OTHER CORRUPTED TOO WHY YOU HAVE NOT MENTION THOSE NAMES??? EXAMPLE JETLI, AMIT SHAH, JAY SHAH, GADEKHARI, YEDDY, SOBHA AND ETC ETC ETC... IT WILL BE REASONABLE IF YOU MENTION ALL OTHER CORRUPTED NAMES TOO. DO YOU KNOW WHAT? HALF OF THE POLITICIANS ARE CORRUPTED.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • geoffrey, hat hill

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    If similar crackdowns were to happen in India, clean chits would have been in place first.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [43] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    When the Arab World is adapting to modern advanced world and way of living, in India the leaders dwell and go after the Historical events.
    Even in politics Swamis and Yogis are chosen to run public affairs rather than selecting persons meant for the job. It is nothing but votes capturing trategy from the majorities.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [45] Reply Report Abuse

  • Beowulf, Mangalore

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    Flavian, Mangalore/Kuwait,

    I want you to do is check for rankings of all the nations in the world based on average IQ. Check the top and based on that check the level of government, and how much developed they. What you will notice is that there is a direct correlation between the development and Average IQ.

    Now take the average IQ into account and see how the masses are manipulated by the people in power to achieve their end goal. If there is one good person(i mean acceptable level) in politics, there are 100 to pull him down.

    The entry of swamys and yogis into politics is a shocking trend just like the entry of movie actors into it. So what can we really do? They get elected by the votes cast by the majority. If the average IQ 85 is average it is very detrimental to the progress of a nation. That is why votes are bought by distributing sarees or bottle of alcohol. Politicians with multiple criminal cases stand for election and win!!!! That is moronic laws like ban against cow slaughter get passed. election promises can include the building of a religious monument(a thing that does not better the lives of the poor). Roads are poorly designed but people think that they are world class. Trains don't even touch 200kph and they are called bullet train. Absolutely no value on human life. People are killed because of politics!!!!! When a politician visits people put garland on him touch his feet, run around him. What is this??? Do any civilized people behave like this??? Just watch any western politician and how is he treated by the citizens. Mostly nothin special. he/she is treated just like any other human.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • NN, Mangalore

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    Let's pray for Saudi Arabia and support the King in whatever ways he wanted to change the nation to align with the civilized countries of the world. Change is good. Without change, there is not progress.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • Habeeb, udupi

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    Picture abi tho shuru hua hai.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • SN, MANGALORE

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    This happens in family rule and monarchy and takes ugly turn for wresting power as such rulers always suspicious of coup as it happens quite often in such dynasty rule.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Luv, Mangalore

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    Game of thrones played by Prince Mohammed dismantles opposition like house of cards.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • Fernando, Ujjre/Mangalore

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    Once the whole world thought Saudi will never liberalize its rules, has happened now. It is true that prayer works. Yes my fellow Saudi Arabia citizens "give and take is the fundamental rule for every human, No one is complete from his own". It's a matter of time.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • NISHAR, Mangalore / KUWAIT

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    Arresting princes, millionaires and high profile people... that's how strong a low should be. we couldn't punish a Panchayath member. Bunch of Big crocs ruling country.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [47] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Mon, Nov 06 2017

    @Nishar mangalore,Kuwait,there they have no other choice ,either surrender,or be ready to see your end.In that country,it is a question of not only corruptionend,but a question of wipe off rest throne folge.It happend many times elsewhere too where one sts against other to make sure his crown.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Mangalurian, Mangaluru

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    Progress cannot happen at a fast pace with the same old furniture!

    Some of these purges were quite expected. But the suddenness and the scope of the purge has startled everyone.

    What is expected within the next six months is transparency - sufficient enough for the global investors to become confident in doing business in the kingdom.

    What strangely has not made international headlines is the invitation from the Saudi king to the Maronite Catholic Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rahi of Lebanon.

    This will be the very first time a Christian/Catholic leader has been officially invited to Saudi Arabia since the ascendance of King Abd-ul-Aziz ibn Saud.

    It is known that King Salman has a special regard for the Catholics.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincent Rodrigues, Bengaluru/Katapadi

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    Might have taken this severe serious action on many for some charges against them

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peter, Udupi

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    If such move Manmohan singh had taken then Daku-feku-peticoat baba all were inside now.

    DisAgree [18] Agree [59] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh, Udupi

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    never late..
    the daku rani with 2 trillion dollar hard earned money will get it along with jeeja... and pappu will run away to Thailand

    DisAgree [19] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mangalore

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    We want this to happen in India 😎😎😎

    DisAgree [2] Agree [65] Reply Report Abuse

  • John Tauro, M'luru / Kwt

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    In India this happened in 1975.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • JAGDISH, mumbai

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    Yes i agree with you..i want see italian madam sonia,chidu,mallya,yeddi,siddu,kujuliwal,lalu, and others who are all involved in corruption must be arrested and send them to jail.

    DisAgree [36] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • kas, Mangalore

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    since May 2014...... No action, No arrest, No money from swiss banks..... Lage raho traitors ...

    DisAgree [4] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • H.Dsouza, Kodagu / Mangaluru

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    True!You are the first pick from Mumbai!!😁😁

    DisAgree [7] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • JAGDISH, mumbai

    Sun, Nov 05 2017

    Desperate Answer ....Though ....!!!

    DisAgree [10] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse


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