JEDDAH, 8 June 2006 — The Jeddah Municipality recently imposed fines on 14 restaurants and takeaways for serving rotten fish to customers, Al-Madinah newspaper reported yesterday. Inspectors from the municipality recently visited restaurants and takeaways as part of a summer initiative to improve the quality of food that is served in the city. A spokesman from the municipality said most of the restaurants fined were upmarket ones. The inspectors found that the food cooked at these places was unfit for eating and many of the chefs did not have medical certificates. The restaurants and takeaways were given two days to make changes. Shops that failed to act according to recommendations after two days would be shut down.
Newly Wed Saudi Scalds Wife
BURAIDAH, 8 June 2006 — A newly wed Saudi said he tried to commit suicide after scalding his bride of two months with hot boiling water and imprisoning her at his home. Suffering from second degree burns and blood pressure the woman managed to call for help from the windows of the home the couple shared. According to Al-Watan newspaper, the neighbors helped the woman and took her to hospital. The husband gave himself in at a police station after he learned that his wife was in intensive care in a critical condition. The reason behind the husband’s behavior is still unknown.
Policemen Injured in Chase
AL-DARB, 8 June 2006 — Two policemen were injured after their car flipped over while chasing suspected smugglers in Al-Darb in southern Asir Region. Police said they suspected the car to be carrying smuggled drugs and weapons, Al-Watan daily reported yesterday. The two policemen were taken to a nearby hospital but were shifted later to King Fahd Medical Center for advanced treatment.
Two Prisoners Escape in Jizan
FIFA, 8 June 2006 — Two prisoners escaped custody when they appeared before a court in Jizan, reported Al-Watan. When the two men were brought into the court they attacked a guard and managed to escape. One of the criminals hijacked a car and drove off. Police immediately sealed the area and found the other prisoner hiding nearby. The car that the prisoner had used to escape was later found abandoned. Police are appealing for help to capture the escaped prisoner and have circulated a description of the man to all police stations and security departments in the area.
Bootleggers Arrested in Major Operation
RIYADH, 8 June 2006 — The Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Riyadh arrested two Saudis and a number of Asian workers who were running a major bootlegging factory in the capital. The commission members raided a villa where 400 bottles of alcohol was produced on a daily basis. According to Al-Riyadh newspaper each bottle would fetch SR100. Police said the villa was able to generate over half a million riyals each month. Police seized distilling equipment found at the factory and destroyed all alcohol confiscated.
