The protesters in Qatif have “suspicious” motives and are being controlled by “their masters abroad”, according to Sheikh Abdul Aziz Aal Al-Sheikh, Grand Mufti. He was responding to the latest riots in Qatif which saw four people killed in the past week during clashes between protesters and security forces. He said the Ministry of Interior's statement about the events in Qatif was clear. “The statement said that those individuals have suspicious goals dictated by their masters abroad. They want to involve citizens and security forces in futile clashes.” The Grand Mufti said these instigators are a malicious group that should not be considered citizens of this country. “They have masters abroad who dictate orders to them. They do not belong to us or to this country.” Aal Al-Sheikh said that under Islamic law these protesters can be viewed as killers of innocent people. They should be dealt with harshly, he added. “The wise people of Qatif should talk to these people who have been deceived and exploited and whose actions seek to wreak havoc in the country.” Meanwhile, a large number of Qatif people denounced the riots and said Saudi citizens should not commit such acts. “It is not wise for Qatif scholars to sit silently and watch these bloody events. They should speak up and advise the rioters. They should not give anyone a chance to cause sedition in our society. Scholars must spread a message of love, peace and coexistence. Our national unity is at stake if we remain silent,” Dr. Muhammad Al
