Mass Trials Signal Saudis' Anti-Terror Progress

Nearly 1K will be tried according to Islamic law

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 24, 2008 3:07 PM CDT

(Newser) – The biggest mass prosecution of Islamist extremists in Saudi Arabian history is the latest clue that the kingdom’ anti-terror campaign in on track, the Economist reports. The Saudis plan to try 991 prisoners on charges ranging from committing terrorist violence to justifying it in religious sermons—and will do so under Wahhabist Islamic law, lending the proceedings more legitimacy.

As Wahhabism is a major inspiration for the ideology of many extremists, the trials are expected to not only imprison terrorist operatives but strike at the theological heart of the movement. The move fits Saudi Arabia’s nuanced approach to terrorism: Beside law enforcement, the government plays testimony from reformed extremists on prime-time TV and provides counseling and financial support to repentant radicals in prison.

This image made from footage broadcast by the Saudi state TV channel Al-Ekhbariah on April 27, 2007, is said to show weapons recovered during police operations. (AP Photo)

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud speaks to the General Assembly at the United Nations on September 15, 2005 in New York City. (Getty Images)

This image made from footage broadcast by Al-Arabiya, Friday, April 27, 2007, is said by them to show buried weapons in sacks being dug up at an undisclosed location in the desert. The weapons shown... (AP Photo/Al-Arabiya)

This image made from footage broadcast by the Saudi state TV channel Al-Ekhbariah, Friday, April 27, 2007, is said by them to show weapons recovered during police operations. (AP Photo/Al-Ekhbariah)

This image made from footage broadcast by Al-Arabiya, Friday, April 27, 2007, is said by them to show buried weapons being dug up at an undisclosed location in the desert. (AP Photo/Al-Arabiya)

A Saudi man sells dates outside the Riyadh general court in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Authorities have indicted 991 suspected militants for participating in terrorist attacks over the past 5 years. (AP Photo)

The Saudi government plans to try nearly 1,000 militants under Islamic law. (AP Photo)

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia waves before making the opening remarks of the World Conference on Dialogue as Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, left, looks on at the Pardo Palace in... (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)

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Mass Trials Signal Saudis' Anti-Terror Progress

Nearly 1K will be tried according to Islamic law

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Director of National Intelligence thinks Iran is 'plotting against US interests'

al-Qaeda Sets Its Sights on Libya

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Russian Women Bombed for Wearing Bikinis

Life's a beach on the Caspian Sea

Saudis Funded al-Qaeda, Enabled 9/11 Attacks: Suit

Claims country backed banks, charities that supported terrorist group

FBI Training Materials: Muslims Are Dangerous

Training materials are playing into terrorists' hands, say former agents

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Mass Trials Signal Saudis' Anti-Terror Progress

Nearly 1K will be tried according to Islamic law

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Saudi Arabia • jihad • Islamist • Islamist extremists • Wahhabism • al-Qaeda • Islamic terrorism

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Iran Willing to Attack US: Report

Director of National Intelligence thinks Iran is 'plotting against US interests'

al-Qaeda Sets Its Sights on Libya

Veteran jihadists reportedly dispatched to country earlier this year

Russian Women Bombed for Wearing Bikinis

Life's a beach on the Caspian Sea

Saudis Funded al-Qaeda, Enabled 9/11 Attacks: Suit

Claims country backed banks, charities that supported terrorist group

FBI Training Materials: Muslims Are Dangerous

Training materials are playing into terrorists' hands, say former agents

About Us

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Newser By Users

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What is Newser?