The Administrative Court in Makkah Region, also known as the Board of Grievances, will look into complaints by 12 Saudis against Makkah Mayoralty for threatening to demolish their homes in Al-Sa'eed village. The complaints said the title deeds prove they are the rightful owners of the homes. The Makkah Mayoralty demolished a number of properties in the area, despite the existence of a two-year-old complaint being looked into in the Administrative Court. Sources told Okaz/Saudi Gazette that the area in question covers about one square kilometer and half its population holds legal title deeds after reviving plots of land owned by their ancestors. But some residents do not have legal documents other than those showing sales of the property, which are not recognized. While electricity was connected several years ago to a number of homes in the area after these citizens presented what they said was proof that they own the plots of land, the Makkah Mayoralty's threats are looming over their heads, according to sources. Muhammad Hamid Al-Qurashi said he represents 12 citizens in Al-Sa'eed village, east of Makkah on Al-Sayl Road. He said they have lodged complaints at the Board of Grievances so their title deeds can be scrutinized to establish proof that they own the land and homes that are under threat of demolition. He said they stood before Board of Grievances in eight sessions, but a final decision has not been issued. Officials are not supposed to take any steps for demolishing their homes until the end of the case's hearing by the Board of Grievances, Al-Qurashi said. “However, they are insisting on demolition and we don't know the motives,” he said. “Some of the citizens are holding valid Shariah documents.” __
