RIYADH, 27 March 2003 — The wizened old man sobs and wails in a broken voice as he tells Crown Prince Abdullah how he lost his only son in a car accident on the previous day.
Leaning on his cane, he refuses to take a seat as he pleads for financial and emotional help, with the crown prince listening sympathetically.
The old man is eventually led away from the majlis, a traditional forum where an Arab leader meets anyone who wants to present a request, grievance, or simply to say hello.
No mention is made of the war with Iraq at the majlis, where for the first time yesterday foreign journalists were invited to attend.
The majlis took place at the premises of the National Guard — one of three held by Prince Abdullah each week in keeping with ancient custom and Islamic tradition.
The other two are held on other days, at his palace and at his official residence. They provide an outlet for public criticism.
Saudi Arabia has no Parliament but an advisory body, the Shoura Council, was set up about 10 years ago and was seen a first step toward a more democratic, elected assembly.
Reformists submitted a landmark petition to the crown prince in January, calling for elections and other political changes. The crown prince has indicated he will support reforms but said the process must move slowly.
The crown prince declined to take questions from the foreign reporters, saying the time was not right for comment.
“Sorry,” he said, after shaking hands with each member of the group.
The group included several women — probably a first for the traditional gathering of about 200 male members of the public, including religious scholars.
When the crown prince arrives, flanked by armed members of the National Guard, he sits behind his desk in a large room with a white marble floor and plush red chairs for the visitors.
The majlis begins with a verse from the Holy Qur’an, recited by a religious man seated in the center of the room.
Then everyone lines up to greet the crown prince.
A court official shouts “salam bas” (“handshakes only”) as each person comes forward, to prevent them kissing him on the nose, forehead or shoulder in a traditional but time-consuming show of respect.
After everyone is seated, the requests begin. Old men come forward first. The crown prince helps them sit on the chair next to him and listens intently as they tell him their problems.
An elderly but still sprightly old man with a traditional dagger strapped to his waist and a long braided hair typical of people from the south of the country, sings a poem and performs a little dance in front of his leader.
Then the younger men approach, some carrying written requests. Although anyone can come to the majlis, members of the crown prince’s court screen the requests of those who want to talk to him first, to make sure each cause is deserving.
