Minister of Islamic Affairs welcomes trials for suspected militants

October 22, 2008

Minister of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance Saleh Al-Asheikh today welcomed the beginning of trials for 991 suspected militants in connection with terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia over the past five years.

Minister of Interior Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz announced the indictments in a statement yesterday.

Al-Asheikh said that the trials are a way to bring justice to the families of the victims as well as the families of the suspects. He stressed the importance of promoting moderation among the Saudi youth and called on mosques to confront extremist ideology.

More indictments are expected once the requisite procedures have been completed, Prince Nayef said.