MAKKAH: The Saudi Criminal Court issued on Sunday a preliminary ruling handing the death sentence against members of the Harazat Cell.

The ruling stated that the terrorists supported Daesh and planned to assassinate security men and blow up security headquarters in Jeddah.

Investigations, technical examinations and forensic evidence revealed that members of the terror cell killed one of their own in a gruesome manner after suspecting that he intended to surrender to the authorities.

The Interior Ministry said 46 detainees are under investigation for their association with the cell, including 32 Saudis and 14 foreigners of various nationalities (Pakistani, Yemeni, Afghan, Egyptian, Jordanian and Sudanese).

The cell was “responsible for the attack that took place in the Prophet’s Mosque (in 2016) and other crimes that targeted civilians and security personnel,” legal adviser Dr. Mohammed Al-Mahmoud told Arab News.

“These crimes were verified by the judges of the Criminal Court … after the presentation of evidence and proof by the public prosecution, which demands, on behalf of the community, to impose appropriate penalties on anyone who violates public order, threatens social peace, instils fear and terror in the hearts of people, and assaults them or their property.”

Al-Mahmoud said the preliminary ruling is subject to appeal, and the verdict must be presented to the Supreme Court, the highest level of litigation in Saudi Arabia.