HRW calls on Saudi Arabia to reveal fate of Ritz-Carlton detainees

Saudi authorities should clarify the status of prominent princes, government officials and businessmen arrested during the kingdom’s “anti-corruption campaign” in November 2017, Human Rights Watch said yesterday.

An anti-corruption committee led by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman arrested dozens of princes, current and former ministers as well as businessmen on corruption charges in the largest campaign of its kind in the kingdom’s history. The detainees were held at the five-star Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Riyadh.

READ: Saudi Arabia releases ten Ritz-Carlton businessmen

Although Saudi Arabia announced in January that the committee had concluded its tasks, “however, some of those arrested are still being held without a clear legal basis,” Human Rights Watch said.

Human Rights Watch said the Saudi authorities forced the detainees to surrender their assets in exchange for their freedom without legal process.

Saudi billionaire Prince Al-Waleed detained in corruption inquiry – Cartoon [Sabaaneh/MiddleEastMonitor]