UK Freezes Assets of Group Linked to Saudi Dissident

LONDON, 25 December 2004 — The British government moved yesterday to freeze the assets of the London-based Movement for Islamic Reform in Arabia, which is accused of having ties with Al-Qaeda.

In a statement, British Treasury chief Gordon Brown said he had instructed all British financial institutions to freeze funds held for, or on behalf of the group.

Saudi dissident Saad Al-Faqih, who heads the group, has said his organization has never been involved in violent activities.