Saudi Arabia Launches Probe into Asir Region Incident

Saudi Public Prosecution, Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Public Prosecution, Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia Launches Probe into Asir Region Incident

Saudi Public Prosecution, Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Public Prosecution, Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Public Prosecution has launched a probe into an incident in the Kingdom’s southern Asir region.

The investigation was issued in “reference to video footage circulated through social media… showing an incident inside the Social Education House in the Khamis Mushait Governorate in the Asir region,” a Public Prosecution source affirmed.

The source confirmed that the prosecution had started a probe into an incident of destroying public money in the same Social Education House, and the case is still under investigation procedures.

However, the source stressed that physically or morally harming those arrested in the case was unacceptable.

While they prohibited humiliating treatment, Saudi authorities stressed at the same time the protection of public funds from felony and assault.

Public Prosecution is proceeding with its judicial procedures to protect society and preserve public money, and assuming its judicial role in taking care of the guarantees established for detainees, the source revealed.

Earlier, Asir region Governor Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz issued an order to form an investigation committee to find out what was circulated of videos and photos about the “Khamis Mushait orphans” incident.

“Referring to what was circulated on social media in terms of videos and photos showing an incident inside the Social Education House in the Khamis Mushait Governorate in the Asir region, Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz directed the formation of a committee to investigate with all parties and refer the case to proper jurisdiction,” said Asir region authorities in a statement posted on Twitter.



Saudi Defense Minister in Tehran to Discuss Bilateral Ties, Meets Khamenei

This handout picture provided by the office of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei shows him (R) meeting with Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman in Tehran on April 17, 2025. (Photo by KHAMENEI.IR / AFP)
This handout picture provided by the office of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei shows him (R) meeting with Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman in Tehran on April 17, 2025. (Photo by KHAMENEI.IR / AFP)
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Saudi Defense Minister in Tehran to Discuss Bilateral Ties, Meets Khamenei

This handout picture provided by the office of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei shows him (R) meeting with Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman in Tehran on April 17, 2025. (Photo by KHAMENEI.IR / AFP)
This handout picture provided by the office of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei shows him (R) meeting with Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman in Tehran on April 17, 2025. (Photo by KHAMENEI.IR / AFP)

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held talks in Tehran on Thursday with Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

“Ties with Saudi Arabia are beneficial for both countries and we can complement each other,” Khamenei was quoted as saying by Iran’s Tasnim news agency,

The meeting was attended by chief of staff of Iran's Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri.

Prince Khalid’s visit comes amid major regional and international developments.

Saudi and Iranian officials are set to sit down for talks on a number of issues, while Prince Khalid will hold several meetings focused on bilateral relations between Riyadh and Tehran.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, held telephone talks last week with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that covered regional developments and issues of common interests.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqhchi held telephone talks on Monday.

This is second visit by a Saudi defense minister to Tehran since 1979 when late Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz for four days in 1999.

Prince Khalid is the highest-ranking official from the Kingdom to visit Iran since the two countries reached a Chinese-mediated détente in March 2023. FM Prince Faisal visited later that year.