Deposed Saudi prince banned from leaving the country
THE former crown prince of Saudi Arabia, who was deposed last week to make way for the king’s 31-year-old son, has reportedly been confined to his palace.
Mohammed bin Nayaf, a 57-year-old nephew of the king, was the heir to the throne and led the powerful interior ministry until he was stripped of his positions to clear a path for Mohammed bin Salman.
According to The New York Times, Mr bin Nayaf has been told he cannot leave his palace in Jeddah and must stay in Saudi Arabia. His bodyguards have reportedly been replaced by forces loyal to the new crown prince.
If confirmed, the move appears to be a palace plot by the crown prince aimed at constraining his deposed relative and giving himself space to consolidate his power in Riyadh. A Saudi official said the report was “baseless”, but there was no official denial from the kingdom or from Mr bin Nayaf.
Saudi state media has been at pains to stress that there was no resentment from Mr bin Nayaf towards the man who had taken his place in the royal line of succession.
Mr bin Nayaf, sometimes known by his initials MBN, worked closely with the American government in the fight against al-qaeda after the 9/11 attacks.
“MBN has been such a great friend and partner of the US, we would not want to see him treated inelegantly or indecorously,” an official told The New York Times.