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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Mass Trials Signal Saudis' Anti-Terror Progress

Nearly 1K will be tried according to Islamic law

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(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.
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.
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 on television included AK-47 rifles and other rifles, brickettes of plastic explosives, AK-47 magazines, and...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Madrid, Wednesday, July 16, 2008. King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia exhorted followers of the world's leading faiths...
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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