'Spying Cell' in Saudi Arabia Sought Foreign Financing

Dr. Ibrahim al-Nahas
Dr. Ibrahim al-Nahas
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'Spying Cell' in Saudi Arabia Sought Foreign Financing

Dr. Ibrahim al-Nahas
Dr. Ibrahim al-Nahas

Members of a “spying cell,” arrested by Saudi Arabia’s state security presidency two days ago, sought to “incite strife by communicating with foreign entities hostile to Saudi Arabia and to establish a false legal organization, according to information received by Asharq Al-Awsat from informed sources.

The sources said most suspects of this cell claim to have religious obligations and were using human rights as a pretext to violate the country’s systems. One of the arrested suspects had volunteered to defend people who tried to produce chaos and incite strife inside the Kingdom, according to the sources.

Another member of the cell had contacted a foreign entity “hostile to Saudi Arabia, to receive financial support in exchange of continuing to incite trouble.”

Dr. Ibrahim al-Nahas, member of Shura Council Committee on Foreign Affairs, told Asharq Al-Awsat on Saturday that the Kingdom is capable to overpass many security challenges thanks to the vigilance of its security apparatus.

For his part, Dr. Yusuf Al-Rumaih, professor of criminology at Al- Qassim University told Asharq Al-Awsat that “Saudi Arabia is a state built on the basis of justice and it enshrines the principal of equality of all persons before the law.”

Earlier, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) quoted the security spokesman of the Presidency of State Security as saying that 7 people have been arrested for suspicious communication with foreign entities and actions against the state.



It said authorities detected coordinated activities by a group of people, who carried out an organized work to violate the religious and national principles of the state.

“They also had communications with foreign entities to support their activities and also sought to recruit persons working in sensitive government posts as well as providing financial support to hostile elements abroad with the objective of undermining the Kingdom’s security and stability, its social peace and national cohesion,” the spokesperson added.



Saudi Arabia Reiterates Need to End Conflict in Sudan

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia Reiterates Need to End Conflict in Sudan

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday the Kingdom's stance at the third consultative meeting of multilateral organizations sponsoring peace initiatives in Sudan, which underscored the urgent need to end the conflict, increase efforts to deliver humanitarian aid in the country.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Riyadh.

The cabinet also called for working toward a political future that ensures Sudan's security, stability, unity, and sovereignty.

The cabinet was briefed on the meeting held between Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, with Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, which focused on relations between the two countries, as well as regional developments.

The cabinet welcomed the adoption of a resolution by the UN General Assembly that requests an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on Israel’s obligations concerning the presence and activities of the UN, other international organizations and third states.

It expressed its appreciation for countries that voted in favor of the resolution, which was submitted by Norway in partnership with the Kingdom.

Moreover, the cabinet commended the outcomes of the inaugural session of the Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council. Established upon a Saudi proposal, the council reflects the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to safeguarding Arab security and encouraging coordinated efforts to protect the interests of Arab nations.

Domestically, the cabinet acknowledged the significant progress made by government agencies in the digital transformation index for 2024. The progress reflects the Kingdom's commitment to continuously improving services to citizens, residents, and visitors, improving the quality of life, facilitating business operations, enhancing competitiveness, and achieving top rankings in international indicators and classifications.

The cabinet also lauded the successful outcome of recent economic, cultural, and media conferences and events held in Riyadh, which consolidated the capital’s position as a global hub for science, knowledge, investment, and innovation.

The success underlines the Kingdom's remarkable progress and renaissance at all levels and in all aspects.