Trial begins for 6 accused of targeting Saudi ex-prince

By Mohamed Fahd

RIYADH (AA) - The trial of six people accused of planning to assassinate former Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef when he was serving as interior minister kicked off Wednesday in capital Riyadh, according to local media reports.

Charges also include “attempting to target Saudi air force pilots, state security officers and a Danish resident [of the kingdom],” prominent Saudi daily Okaz reported.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadh, public prosecutors are demanding the death penalty for three of the people charged in the case.

Neither newspaper, however, provided any detail as to when the defendants had planned to carry out the alleged crimes or when they were arrested by the authorities.

Muhammad bin Nayef served as interior minister from Nov. 2, 2012 to June 21, 2017. He held the title of Saudi crown prince from Apr. 29, 2015 to June 21, 2017.

In August of 2009, he survived an assassination attempt when he was serving as deputy interior minister.