Saudi Arabia Launches Probe into Asir Region Incident

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

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.



Syrian Foreign Minister in Doha to Meet Senior Qatari Officials

Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani speaks during a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (not pictured), after the ousting of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, December 30, 2024. (Reuters)
Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani speaks during a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (not pictured), after the ousting of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, December 30, 2024. (Reuters)
TT

Syrian Foreign Minister in Doha to Meet Senior Qatari Officials

Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani speaks during a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (not pictured), after the ousting of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, December 30, 2024. (Reuters)
Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani speaks during a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (not pictured), after the ousting of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, December 30, 2024. (Reuters)

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, appointed by the country's new rulers, arrived in Qatar on Sunday to meet senior Qatari officials, a Qatari official told Reuters.

The officials include Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Al-Khulaifi.

Syrian official news agency SANA confirmed the arrival of the Syrian delegation, which includes the country's Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and head of intelligence Anas Khattab.

The Syrian minister's visit to Qatar is his second foreign trip less than a month since former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted by opposition fighters on Dec. 8.

Al-Shibani is expected to also visit the United Arab Emirates and Jordan this week to "support stability, security, economic recovery and build distinguished partnerships," according to his account on X.

He embarked on his first foreign trip to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, where Saudi officials discussed how best to support Syria's political transition.