Riyadh -- Nine people have been arrested for links to hostile organizations, Saudi Arabia’s Public Prosecution said in a statement.

The statement added that a total of 17 people were initially arrested in the case, eight of whom were released from custody pending the completion of procedures.

The nine others – five men and four women – are currently being held in custody after enough evidence was brought forward and their confessions to the charges against them.

According to the statement, the following charges were brought up against the accused:

1- Having connections to individuals and organizations that were hostile against the Kingdom.

2- Recruiting persons from sensitive government agencies in order to obtain confidential information and documents in order to harm the interests of the kingdom.

3- Providing moral and financial support to elements hostile toward the kingdom.