Sources to Asharq Al-Awsat: Iranian Fatwa to Kill Judge Jirani

Judge Mohammed al-Jirani. Asharq Al-Awsat file photo
Judge Mohammed al-Jirani. Asharq Al-Awsat file photo
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Sources to Asharq Al-Awsat: Iranian Fatwa to Kill Judge Jirani

Judge Mohammed al-Jirani. Asharq Al-Awsat file photo
Judge Mohammed al-Jirani. Asharq Al-Awsat file photo

A “terrorist figure in Iran” had given direct orders in a form of Fatwa to kill Saudi judge Mohammed al-Jirani 48 hours after his kidnapping more than a year ago in Qatif Governorate, Asharq Al-Awsat has learned.

Sources told the newspaper that the abductors were unable to hide Jirani for long. So, they resorted to the assistance of an Iranian cleric, who issued the fatwa for the judge’s murder.

Under direct orders from Iran, the kidnapping cell pushed Jirani into a crater in a farm in an area called Salhiya in Awamiya, shot him twice in his chest and then buried him, the sources said.

Spokesman for the Ministry of the Interior Major General Mansour al-Turki said in a press conference earlier this week that there is support from outside Saudi Arabia for terrorist militias, especially media support.

Everyone is aware of Iran’s role in backing terrorist groups, he said.

“Terrorism sponsors avoid leaving evidence of their involvement to not be condemned internationally however they form proxy groups to carry out terrorist acts that are supported and financed by them, like the Houthi militias in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon,” Turki added.

Jirani, a judge at the Department of Endowments and Inheritances, was kidnapped in December 2016 in front of his home in the town of Tarout in Qatif.

Saudi security forces have killed one of the terrorists involved in the abduction and arrested his half-brother.



Bahrain and Oman Deepen Ties During King Hamad’s Visit to Muscat

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa hold talks in Muscat on Tuesday. (BNA)
Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa hold talks in Muscat on Tuesday. (BNA)
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Bahrain and Oman Deepen Ties During King Hamad’s Visit to Muscat

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa hold talks in Muscat on Tuesday. (BNA)
Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa hold talks in Muscat on Tuesday. (BNA)

Oman and Bahrain held expanded talks this week aimed at bolstering their strong bilateral relations and widening their partnership.

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq received Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in Muscat on Tuesday to discuss opportunities to develop their economic and investment partnership.

They stressed the importance of encouraging the public and private sectors to diversify their fields to meet the aspirations of their people and countries. They also welcomed the establishment of the Omani-Bahraini Investment Company.

King Hamad was in Oman at the head of a senior delegation on January 14 and 15.

The leaders praised the growth of the historic relations between their countries.

They hailed the success of the Omani-Bahraini business council and its role in boosting bilateral cooperation and execution of joint projects that meet their countries’ aspirations.

King Hamad and Sultan Haitham discussed the work of the Gulf Cooperation Council and its success in boosting collective work. They hoped to deepen cooperation and integration between its countries.

They reviewed regional and international developments, underscoring the importance of resolving crises and disputes through peaceful means and bolstering dialogue and international cooperation.

Oman and Bahrain signed 25 agreements and memoranda of understanding during King Hamad’s visit. They covered double taxation, endowments, zakat, meteorology, the stock market, health, media, scientific and educational cooperation, investment opportunities, food security, agricultural production and development and other issues.