NAJRAN, 13 November 2007 — A Saudi man used an unorthodox way to smuggle overstayers past a checkpoint by disguising them in abayas — the long black cloaks that women wear in public here. The trick to get them through was to act outraged in front of police if they asked about their IDs, the daily Okaz reported yesterday. The man reacted angrily when asked by police to reveal the identity of the “women” and accused them of harassment. Police officers eventually grew wary of his behavior and insisted that the “women” produce their IDs. After repeatedly addressing the cloaked figures and not getting a reply, the police asked them to uncover their faces. After lifting their veils, officers were treated to the spectacle of scared, haggard and unshaved overstayers. The man and the overstayers were all detained.
‘Police Officer’ Messes With the Wrong Person
JEDDAH, 13 November 2007 — An expatriate who was masquerading as a police officer was caught red-handed when he pulled over a high-ranking police officer, the daily Okaz reported yesterday. The man, who used to work as an accountant, left his day job to con people out of cash. Setting up a fake checkpoint, the man would pull over drivers and then demand a bribe in exchange for not issuing a traffic citation. When he pulled over his latest victim, the high-ranking police officer, got out of his car and told the man to produce his police badge. This is when Mr. Fake police officer attempted to make an escape. He was arrested and taken to a nearby police station.