JEDDAH, 5 March 2006 — The Makkah Region traffic department reported 13,800 traffic light violations and 3,680 speed violations in February, Al-Madinah reported yesterday. Maj. Gen. Ahmed Al-Otaibi, head of the traffic police in the region, said that all arrested violators were sentenced to various jail periods ranging from 24 to 72 hours, in addition to a SR900 fine. He said monitoring traffic light and speed violators is continuing all over the Makkah region.
Gunman Killed in Riyadh Shootout
JEDDAH, 5 March 2006 — A man in his fifties was killed and two policemen were injured during an exchange of gunfire, which took place Thursday night on Wadi Al-Dawasir road in Riyadh, the daily Al-Watan reported yesterday. The incident is still under investigation. Both policemen, who received a number of gunshots in various parts of their bodies, were hospitalized and are showing health improvement.
Death-Row Inmate Wins Pardon
JEDDAH, 5 March 2006 — Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed secured a pardon for Shaker Al-Magati, who was sentenced to death for killing Faris Al-Otaibi, according to a report in Al-Watan yesterday. Prince Abdul Majeed convinced the victim’s family to drop the case. The family accepted SR1.5 million in blood money which was paid in full by Ghalib Al-Mashiki, a senior member of the convict’s tribe.
Hospital Staffers Hit by Food Poisoning
JEDDAH, 5 March 2006 — A number of nurses in Shaqra General Hospital suffered food poisoning after eating their meals in the hospital. They have received medical care and were hospitalized in the same hospital, according to a report in Al-Madinah newspaper yesterday. A catering company is being blamed for the incident and is facing investigation by health officials.
