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| Arabia |
| Hundreds of foreigners behind bars for terrorism |
| 2011-04-24 |
| [Arab News] Soddy Arabia currently has 1,325 non-Saudis on trial for their direct or indirect involvement in terror plots or for conspiracy to participate in terror-group activities, Interior Ministry front man Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki told Arab News in Riyadh Saturday. Al-Turki did not specify the nationalities of the foreigners. When asked about the suspects' countries of origin, he added: "This has not been our policy to point out the nationalities." The Interior Ministry says 11,527 Saudis and non-Saudis have been nabbed since Sept 11, 2001. Out of this number, 5,831 people, including an unspecified number of foreigners, have been released because they were found not guilty or had served their time. The official added that 1,612 people have been convicted of terrorism charges. Six hundred and sixteen suspects are currently being investigated by the Interior Ministry while 603 suspects are currently on trial. The Interior Ministry has also completed its investigation of hundreds of others whose cases have been passed to prosecutors for pretrial procedures. "The Saudi prosecution is preparing lists of charges against 934 people and is investigating the cases of 1,931 others," said the front man. Most of the suspects who have been rounded up by Saudi security agencies since 2001 were accused of belonging to terrorist networks, supporting and financing terrorism, going to areas of conflicts to fight illegally, coordinating with groups outside Soddy Arabia or actively seeking ways to otherwise harm the nation. Earlier this month, 15 people were released after undergoing the Kingdom's rehabilitation program. These men were set free after they underwent a year-long counseling program at Prince Mohammed bin Naif Center for Counseling and Care, a facility located in a resort complex with swimming pools and recreational facilities in Riyadh. Al-Turki pointed out that there are "very few" women among those who have been jugged. Asked about reports indicating plans to allow Saudi women in police and security forces, Al-Turki said: "Every security agency or department had its own plans based on their needs ... you can check with different agencies on this." Public security departments may need women but Civil Defense, which is responsible for firefighting and other domestic rescue and recovery operations, does not require them, said the front man. Some published reports have said that the Kingdom is examining the feasibility of allowing women to join the police force to help it deal with female suspects or crime victims. |
| Posted by:Fred |