JEDDAH, 27 December 2005 — The return of Abdul Aziz Al-Shambari, 37, to the Kingdom after working with Al-Islah (Reform) Movement led by Saad Al-Faqeeh in London was not part of any deal with the government, his brother Abdullah said.
Shambari, who graduated from a US university, arrived at Jeddah airport on Sunday morning and was received by his family members including wife and three children. Saudi authorities did not arrest or interrogate him on arrival.
“My brother was very happy when he united with his family after two years and four months,” Abdullah told Asharq Al-Awsat, a sister publication of Arab News. “Abdul Aziz returned to the country after introspection. It was not the result of a government deal as some people try to propagate. He is ready to talk about his association with Al-Islah during the past two years,” Abdullah added.
Shambari has repented for every day he had spent with Al-Islah, an organization of Saudi dissidents, Abdullah said, adding that the group had cheated a number of Saudis by spreading false information.
“Al-Islah intends to fish in troubled waters,” Shambari was quoted as saying. Shambari said he took the decision to leave the organization on his on without any pressure from government or family. “Abdul Aziz is now leading a normal life. Yesterday he toured Jeddah with his wife and children who had come from Taif,” Abdullah said.
Shambari, a former employee of Saudi Arabian Airlines, left the Kingdom on Sept. 20, 2003.
Abdullah, who had gone to London to accompany Shambari, said he had not met with Faqeeh.
“My brother had left Faqeeh long time ago when he discovered that his organization was a false,” Abdullah said. “While Abdul Aziz was with Al-Islah, the government did not put any pressure on the family,” he said, adding that the authorities had issued passports to his wife and children when they wanted to travel. Abdullah said his brother had disclosed his intention to return about six months ago.
Um Nama, wife of Shambari, said the return of her husband was not a surprise for her as he realized that Al-Islah was working to undermine the Kingdom’s security and stability. “I hope he will be able to perform Haj this time in order to cleanse his sins and lead a new life,” she added.
