11 princes arrested in Saudi Arabia

They took part in an illegal gathering at a royal palace in Riyadh

They held a rally to protest a royal decision that would make princes pay for their utility bills |

The brigade that arrested 11 princes who took part in an illegal gathering at a royal palace in the Saudi capital Riyadh is an elite force, and among the most competent and skilled security forces in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi media reported yesterday that 11 princes were arrested after they held a rally to protest a royal decision to make princes pay for their electricity and water consumption and refused to leave the royal palace.

The princes also demanded financial compensation for a ruling against one of their cousins, Saudi news site Sabq and Al Marsad said.

Actions are wrong

The princes were informed that their actions were wrong and that they should vacate the premises, but they refused to comply. A royal order was issued to Al Ajrab Sword Brigade in the Royal Guard to step in and arrest them ahead of legal action, the news sites said.

Sources told the news sites that the directives had been given to treat all citizens, regardless of their status, equally and as per rules and regulations.

Al Ajrab Sword Brigade is directly linked to Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman and was formed by King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz shortly after he acceded to power in January 2015 following the death of King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz.

The brigade is made up of more than 5,000 personnel with various ranks who have taken part in advanced military courses, Sabq reported.

The force is named after the founder of the second Saudi state, Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Saud who referred to his sword as ‘Al Ajrab’. The sword had gained an outstanding reputation as the best-known Arab sword.

Historic sword

The sword was given by Imam Saud Bin Faisal Al Saud to Shaikh Eisa Bin Khalifa of Bahrain in 19th century, where it was carefully preserved for decades until it was given back by King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa to King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz who was on a historic visit to Bahrain in 2010.

King Hamad said that his family had the great honour of keeping Al Ajrab for almost 140 years.