32 people to stand trial in Saudi Arabia for spying for Iran

32 people to stand trial in Saudi Arabia for spying for Iran
February 22, 2016 - 17:11 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - 32 people in Saudi Arabia have been accused of spying for the kingdom's regional rival Iran and now face trial, state-owned media reported, according to the Associated Press.

Al-Arabiya reported Monday, Feb 22, that 30 are Saudis from the eastern region of Qatif, where Shiites are dominant. The other two are an Afghan and an Iranian.

Al-Hayat newspaper reported that they have been charged with establishing a spy ring in collaboration with Iranian intelligence, providing Iran with highly sensitive information on the Saudi military, seeking to commit acts of sabotage against Saudi economic interests, inciting sectarian strife, recruiting others for espionage and participating in anti-government protests.

The Bureau of Investigation and Prosecution presented the charges on Sunday to Riyadh's Specialized Criminal Court.

The trial comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which severed diplomatic ties last month.

Related links:
AP. Saudi Arabia to put 32 on trial for spying for Iran
 Top stories
Azerbaijan admits death of 192 soldiers in Karabakh offensiveAzerbaijan admits death of 192 soldiers in Karabakh offensive
Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive.
Azerbaijan increasing defense spending for 2023 by $650 millionAzerbaijan increasing defense spending for 2023 by $650 million
In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million).
Moscow could recognize those who speak Russian as Moscow could recognize those who speak Russian as "compatriots"
The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot".
Magnitude 5.6 quake causes damages in IranMagnitude 5.6 quake causes damages in Iran
The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.
Partner news
 Articles
Compassion is key, no matter what

An Italian photojournalist’s journey through the pandemic

 Most popular in the section
Global toll of mysterious hepatitis in children rises to 650 cases
Monkeypox does not pose a Covid-style risk, top health execs say
Sinjar becomes latest flashpoint for Iran-Turkey tensions in Iraq
Turkey-Syria earthquake death toll passes 15,000
Home
All news
Overview: World
Archive for February 22, 2016
Other news in this section
 Latest news
Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia.
U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel.
Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan.
---