Crown Prince and detained relative reunited
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prince Miteb bin Abdullah were seen together in public for the first time since Miteb was released from detention after an anti-corruption purge.
In a photo released by the Saudi royal court, the two men were taking part in the annual horse race ceremony in the capital Riyadh on Saturday.
“Upon [Crown Prince Mohammed’s] arrival to the venue, he was received by Prince Faisal bin Bander, governor of Riyadh, Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, Prince Faisal bin Khaled, governor of Asir region, and Prince Khalid bin Abdulaziz, minister of the National Guard,” the Saudi Press Agency said.
Saudis on social media have expressed their happiness over the two royals’ meeting on Saturday, saying it signified strength and unity in the kingdom.
“A conversation ended with a kiss from Crown Prince Mohammed to his older brother, Prince Miteb, carrying a message of strength, belonging and unity of the Saudi ruling house,” Saudi Bandar Al Damer said on Twitter.
Prince Miteb, son of late King Abdullah and former head of the national guard chief, was freed late in November after three weeks in detention following an undisclosed settlement with authorities.
On Friday, a source close to the government said that two of Prince Miteb’s brothers were also released after they were detained in the anti-corruption clampdown, AFP reported.
A family member posted photos of Prince Faisal bin Abdullah, a former head of the Saudi Red Crescent, and Prince Mashal bin Abdullah, a former governor of Makkah, on Twitter.
The source also said that Prince Turki bin Abdullah was the only brother left in detention.
The four brothers were among more than 200 royals, officials and businessmen detained on charges of corruption in a crackdown led by Prince Mohammed.
Most of those detained have struck monetary settlements in exchange for their freedom, the attorney general said last month. Those who continue to deny charges against them will soon face trial.
Those detained are being held at Riyadh’s Ritz-Carlton hotel and other five-star hotels in the capital.
The four brothers were among more than 200 royals, officials and businessmen detained on charges of corruption