Saudi princes who protested outside palace to face trial

Eleven Saudi princes who were detained after gathering at a palace in Riyadh to protest against a government decision to stop paying their utility bills will face trial, the attorney general said yesterday.

“A group of 11 princes staged a sit in at the historic Qasr Al Hokm palace on Thursday, objecting a recent royal order that halted payments to members of the royal family to cover their electricity and water bills,” Sheikh Saud Al Mojeb said.

“Despite being informed that their demands are not lawful, the 11 princes refused to leave the area, disrupting public peace and order.”

The princes were also demanding compensation for a death sentence issued against one of their cousins, who was convicted of murder and executed in 2016.

The princes were charged on “a number of counts” and are being held at the maximum security Al Hayer prison.

“No one is above the law in Saudi Arabia, everyone is equal and is treated the same as others,” Sheikh Saud said.

“Any person, regardless of their status or position, will be held accountable should they decide not to follow the rules and regulations of the state.”

Saudi Arabia has introduced reforms that include cutting subsidies, introducing VAT and cutting perks to royal family members to cope with a drop in crude prices that has caused a budget deficit estimated at 195 billion riyals (Dh191bn) for this year.

On Saturday, King Salman announced relief measures for Saudi citizens, particularly military personnel and public servants, to “soften the impact of the economic reforms”.

The minister of culture and information, Awwad bin Saleh Alawwad, said the package of handouts would cost the government about 50bn riyals.

“The allocation of 50bn riyals for this decree indicates the leadership’s concern for the people’s comfort and quality of living,’ Mr Alawwad said.