JEDDAH: The Summary Court in Jeddah has referred 40 suspects, charged by the General Prosecutor for instigation, participating in illegal gatherings and calling for protests against the ruler, to the court in Riyadh that specializes in security and terrorism cases. In referring them to the specialist security and terrorism court, the Summary Court said such cases do not come under its jurisdiction. The Jeddah Summary Court received two dossiers, one of 11 persons and the other of 29 persons. After being interrogated, they were charged with “disturbing the public order”, “calling for dissent against the ruler” and “violating directives and regulations” through incitement by participating in gatherings of the so-called “Hunain rebellion”. They were also charged with shouting insults and slanderous slogans at Al-Tahliya Street and Al-Bay'ah Square in Jeddah. The Honor and Morals Circuit at the Bureau of Investigation and Prosecution (BIP) interrogated the 40 people and released them on bail but they were banned from traveling. They include men and women of different professions including a woman doctor, teachers, engineers, male and female university students, public servants, private sector employees, retired and unemployed persons, in addition to three foreigners. The Prosecutor General decided to refer them to the court after issuing them the charge sheets. The Prosecutor General charged the suspects of participation in a dissentious demonstration with the aim of arousing public opinion and incitement to dissent as well as preparing slogans for this purpose; preventing security men from carrying out their duty; shouting insults and using uncouth language in a public place; inciting those gathering to dissent against the rulers; coming with cameras with the aim of photographing the gathering and publishing it in the media so as to influence public opinion when these pictures are published; and attempting to escape from security men. The Prosecutor General demanded firm discretionary and deterrent penalties against the suspects.
