“A Saudi man told police that my grandfather was dressed in an army uniform and had threatened his laborers,” said Al-Maabadi’s grandson, Subhi, adding that officers took him to a police station where the complaint was found to be malicious.

“My grandfather filed a lawsuit at Khulais Court, which is about 90 km to the north east of Jeddah, but the lengthy litigation and frequent court trips have worsened his health and we have had to admit him in intensive care,” he said.

Subhi said he and his uncles carried his grandfather to the headquarters of the National Society for Human Rights (NSHR) in Makkah where they asked the NSHR to bring the case to a close.

“The society learned that my grandfather does not feel the presence of people around him and has hearing difficulties. The society showed the court that it is impossible for him to wear a military uniform and threaten other people as he is in a condition in which he is unable to even pick up a glass of water without the help of someone else,” he said.

He added that the man who accused his grandfather of threatening his workers has been requesting a reconciliation. The family has, however, refused the offer as they feel the man has humiliated the old man by complaining about him to the police even though he is sick and unable to move.