The public prosecutor read out the charges against the suspects, who are charged with planning to attack vital installations of Saudi Aramco, terror funding, going to violence-hit regions and issuing religious edicts against Saudi rulers.
The 11 are also accused of possessing weapons and going abroad to get military training. The prosecutor asked each defendant to give his reply to the charges. The judge told the suspects that they have the right to appoint a lawyer, adding that the Justice Ministry would pay the lawyer’s fees for those who cannot afford counsel.
Defendant No. 1 denied all the charges against him and asked the court to appoint a lawyer for him. The court agreed the ministry would pay the lawyer’s fees.
Defendant No. 2 admitted some of the charges against him but denied possessing weapons, which he said belonged to his brother. He expressed deep sorrow over his actions. He also thanked security officers for arresting him before he carried out any terrorist attack.
Defendant Nos. 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9 also requested the court to appoint authorized lawyers for them. Defendant No. 3 said the charges against him were not correct. However, he admitted that he had left for Iran with the intent of going to Afghanistan. He was arrested while in Iran.
Defendant No. 7 also denied all charges against him except the accusation that he had looked for a house nearby his work in Al-Khafji for a colleague, who is one of the accused.
Defendant No. 10 also denied most charges but acknowledged that he had informed the father of one of the accused to hide things in his room. He requested the judge to set him free. The judge said he would consider his request and others for release.
Defendant No. 11 said he would present his reply in the next session in writing. The session was attended by representatives of the Human Rights Commission as well as reporters.
