Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH – Twenty-four people including a Qatari national have been arrested in Hail region for inciting tribal conflict and sedition, Interior Ministry announced on Wednesday.

They spread rumors through social media and gathered in front of the governorate of the region in violation of the law and in an attempt to influence the legal and judicial procedures going on.

Those who played the major roles in inciting the public have been identified and arrested, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) quoted the Ministry of Interior Security Spokesman as saying Wednesday.

The ministry’s spokesman said the authorities are still collecting evidence to determine the roles and objectives of all of those involved in this issue. The ministry will continue its follow up and monitor all those involved in these activities, the spokesman said.

One of those involved created a hashtag on social media for the purpose of incitement. He has also been apprehended.

The Ministry of Interior stressed that it will deal firmly with such practices including spreading lies and disturbing security and safety.

The ministry also warned against disturbing the security and stability of the Kingdom.

Meanwhile, an official source at the Presidency of State Security said they have arrested 22 people, among them a Qatar national, for inciting to commit illegal acts.

The state security apparatus invoked the kingdom’s Cyber Crimes Law after monitoring the circulation of video clips on social media that involved “incitement to disturb public order and stirring up feelings towards issues that are still under consideration,” a statement on Saudi Press Agency read.

The state security managed to identify the people behind the video clips and arrested them.

They numbered 22 people, among them a Qatari national. The rest were Saudi citizens. Their motives and links are still being verified pending investigation.