The action of Royal House bears traits of a Shakespeare drama: Never Before in its history, Saudi Arabia experienced such a spectacular arrest and dismissal wave as this weekend. At least eleven members of royal family, four current ministers and dozens of former ministers were arrested at night to Sunday, including richest man in country, Prince al-Walid bin Talal. Private planes throughout country were banned from launching to prevent escape of furr sought-after. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Riyadh was vacated to accommodate approximately 50 prominent prisoners.

The intrusive approach reveals manuscript of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is about to inherit his elderly far, King Salman, at head of country and to implement far-reaching political, social and economic reforms. In run-up to planned change, 32-year-old apparently wants to silence as many internal critics as possible in ranks of royal family and curtail influence of domestic oligarchs.

As a vehicle, he served a "Commission Against Corruption", which was set up by Crown prince, shortly before decree. The new body, which aims to "protect public assets and punish corrupt people", has far-reaching powers. It may cause arrests, have travel restrictions and confiscate assets.

In addition to Prince Al-Walid bin Talal, whose assets are estimated at 18 billion dollars, chairman of Executive Board of bin Laden group, former head of Saudi government Fund and former Director-general of Saudi Arabian Airlines were also arrested. Al-Walid bin Talal holds shares in corporations such as Apple and Twitter and at Citigroup. Its assets also include parts of Four Seasons, Fairmont and Mövenpick hotel chains.

Members of Royal House fear for privileges

The bosses of three major Saudi TV stations were also arrested. Toger with his bror Prince Turki, former governor of Riyadh, long-time chief of National Guard and son of early 2015 deceased King Abdullah, Prince Miteb, was also sacked and imprisoned. This consolidates control of crown prince over security forces.

According to Saudi media reports, Commission also opened an investigation procedure against those responsible in Jeddah, where 2009 because of embezzled money for canal buildings a devastating rain more than 120 people tore into death. "The kingdom heralds a new era and policy of transparency, clarity and accountability," said Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Dschadan. In his words, decisions would improve investment climate in country and strengn confidence in rule of law. The "Council of Clerics", most important body of Saudi clergy, also signalled consent and spoke of an important step.

Furr background to this political earthquake, with which Salman clan is now open to enemies of or parts of branched royal family, is so far in dark. A few hours before timpani, King Salman spoke with US president Donald Trump. Also Trump's son-in-law Jared Kusher stayed in Riyadh last week.

For speculation that Mohammed bin Salman is beat with his arrests of a palace revolt, re are no clues so far. However, opposition to its aggressive foreign policy, war in Yemen and rabid boycott against Qatar seems to be more massive than previously known. On top of that, many members of approximately 9,000-headed royal family fear ir usual privileges.

Corruption and waste of public money are widespread in Saudi Arabia. In its early 2016 published manifesto for Change, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman quantified abuse to 30 percent of government spending, which is around 70 billion euros. Many public officials use ir position to be lubricated by investors. For decades practice of so-called Tasattur is also common. Saudi citizens report to companies under ir name, which are n managed by foreigners. The Saudi sham partner regularly collects parts of profit without ever stirring a finger.

Date Of Update: 06 November 2017, 12:02