Al-JOUF, 8 January 2008 — Fakhriya Diab, the mother of the newborn baby that went missing last week from a hospital nursery in Sakaka, was discharged from hospital without her baby — a time she described as a “moment of lost hope.”
“I have been unable to see him physically. I’ve only seen a picture of him like all other supporting mothers, who feel my suffering and sorrow. He lives in me and I wait to have him back,” said Diab, who then cried and asked people to pray that her son is returned. Diab also requested the authorities to find her baby soon.
Meanwhile, Col. Daman Al-Daran, spokesman for Al-Jouf police, denied rumors that a man and a woman attempting to leave the Kingdom from Tabuk had been arrested regarding the case. “We are still investigating and working hard to find the baby,” he said.
Following calls by Al-Jouf Gov. Prince Fahd ibn Bandar, a committee was formed to investigate the disappearance.
The committee, which is led by Ahmad Al-Balawi, began operating on Sunday and is expected to report to Prince Fahd with a list of recommendations to prevent such incidents from happening again. The committee includes Mazid Al-Shamari from the General Investigation and Prosecution Authority, Col. Othman Al-Rabish, head of the Investigation Department in Al-Jouf Police, and Ayash Muhammad Al-Ruwaily from the Health Affairs in Al-Jouf.
The disappearance has horrified people across the Kingdom with people pledging to offer rewards to anyone providing information on the baby.
Muflih ibn Abdullah Al-Kaid, a local businessman, said, “Our Saudi society is known for its cooperation and unity. Our family has announced it is willing to give SR100,000 to anyone who helps find the kidnapper.”
Al-Kaid also condemned the kidnapping and prayed the child is returned safe.
Shahir Al-Saiari, another businessman, announced he was also offering SR100,000 to anyone who could provide information about the baby. “The case does not only concern his parents, it concerns us all,” said Al-Saiari, who also urged people to come forward with information.
The baby’s father Marzook Al-Sarhani is offering SR150,000 to anyone who could reveal information regarding the case.
