SAUDI INVESTIGATE AL-AWAJI FOR INSULTING LATE KING

Riyadh, 16 Ramadan 1436/3 July 2015 (MINA) – Saudi Arabia has referred preacher Mohsin Al-Awaji and Rotana Khalijiyah satellite channel presenter Abdullah Al-Mdaifer for investigation for abusing the late King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz during an episode of “Fi Al-Samim” (right to the point).

Saudi sources said the directive ordered the referral of Al-Awaji and Al-Mdaifer to the investigation commission and to the general prosecutor’s office to charge them with abusing the late king.

It also ordered the complete suspension of the programme and banned Al-Mdaifer from reappearing on the channel until the investigation is concluded. Middle East Monitor (Memo) reports as quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA).

During the programme, Al-Awaji made a wide ranging critique of the late king’s reign and said that the Royal Court was not functioning with clarity. He also criticised the management of the first war against the Houthis in 2009 and the Saudi policy in the region in general as well as domestically.

He also commented on Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Nayef reminding him “that he will end up in the grave” exactly where his uncle King Abdullah ended up.

It is well known within Saudi circles that Al-Awaji sympathises with the Muslim Brotherhood, he has previously criticised the kingdom’s support for Egyptian President Abdel Fatah Al-Sisi.

Al-Awaji was detained during the reign of former King Fahd Bin Abdelaziz and during the reign of King Abdullah on charges relating to a number of issues that touch on the state’s inclinations and policies. In the interview he said that he was imprisoned four times during the reign of King Abdullah. (T/P002/R04)

Mi’raj Islamic News Ageny (MINA)