A special court in Riyadh has sentenced a man to 18 years in prison and has banned him from travel for the same duration.

He was found guilty of several charges, including shooting at police and targeting officers with Molotov cocktails in Qatif.

He was also found guilty of other charges, which include instigating and participating in illegal gatherings that called for rebellion against the state, raising money for rioters, making about 60 Molotov cocktails and possessing unlicensed firearms.

He had been in detention for some time and the court said this period will be considered time served.

The preliminary verdict document will be delivered to the defendant and prosecutor. It will be submitted to the Special Court of Appeal within 30 days, beginning from the date both parties receive it.

Both the defendant and the prosecutor objected to the verdict and are likely to appeal the ruling.