Saudis start spy trial against 32 Shi'a, including Iranian and Afghan
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 22 February 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Saudis start spy trial against 32 Shi'a, including Iranian and Afghan, 22 February 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/570cdf45c.html [accessed 28 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 22, 2016
A border post between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Saudi Arabia has put 32 people on trial, including 30 members of its own Shi'ite Muslim minority, on charges of spying for Iran.
The 32 defendants, including an Iranian and an Afghan, were detained in 2013 in a series of arrests that sparked concerns among Saudi Shi'a who said several are well-known figures in their community who are not involved in politics.
The charges include establishing a spy ring with members of Iranian intelligence and passing them sensitive military information, seeking to sabotage Saudi economic interests, undermining community cohesion, and inciting sectarian strife.
The trial could stoke tensions between local Shi'ite and Sunni Muslims and with Iran.
In January, Riyadh broke off diplomatic ties with Iran after the Saudi Embassy in Tehran was stormed by protesters angered about the execution of a Shi'ite cleric by Saudi authorities.
Based on reporting by Reuters and Al-Arabiya
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
