Saudi opposition welcome to return home – Head of State Security

Abdulaziz Al-Howairini, the Head of the Presidency of State Security. (Screengrab MBC)
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RIYADH: Saudi opposition staying overseas are welcome to return home without any fear of punishment, Abdulaziz Al-Howairini, Head of the Presidency of State Security, said in an interview on MBC’s Hekayat Waad program during Ramadan.

“Under the directives of the Crown Prince, if there are no lawsuits filed against you for homicide, theft or assault, and you were misled, the state will welcome you and will not punish you,” he said.

“If a person has not actually committed a crime, but only entertained the thought of it, the state will address this issue and fix it.”

 

 

Howairini, in extending the offer for, quoted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s words: “Anyone who decides to return, without having any lawsuits filed against them for assault, homicide, or other violent acts, and if their actions were limited to opposition or they were exploited by haters or received money at some point or were misled, they are welcome to come back without fear of punishment.”

He added that the Kingdom’s embassies were fully aware and nationals seeking assistance can contact a designated number (990) where they can provide their name and location, and request to communicate with their family members.

“We receive numerous calls, but rest assured, we do not shame those individuals,” Howairini said, in reassuring the confidentiality of communications.