Okaz/Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Elders of a tribe in Taif have apologized to Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal for the unacceptable behavior of some of its members who rioted in front of the city’s governorate and were arrested by the police and handed over to the Public Prosecution.

The elders disowned the rioters and told Prince Khaled Al-Faisal that they do not represent them.

They vowed their loyalty to the leadership and said their tribe has always been loyal to the government and the leadership and that the work of few of its members did not undermine their true commitment to the country and its leadership. The emir thanked them for their initiative and told them that every Saudi citizen would receive his/her full rights under the teachings of Islam.

“The leadership is determined to strictly apply Shariah laws on all walks of life. This has been the pattern of King Abdul Aziz, the founder, and his successive sons,” he said.

About 32 of the tribe members recently rioted in front of the governorate demanding to be given back the lands they had illegally confiscated and which were returned to the government’s possession.

They carried banners which were considered against the Kingdom’s system.

The police arrested the rioters and handed them over to the Public Prosecution for further investigations prior to sending them to court.

“This is your country and we are your people,” Prince Khaled told the elders who also asked him to convey their apology to the Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz Bin Saud. The elders told the emir that the few members who violated the law and the system do not represent them affirming their undivided loyalty to the leadership and their respect to the procedures the government has taken to protect its lands and properties.