The detention of Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz and his father since January 2018 is part of a clampdown under de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that has ensnared not just potential rivals but also figures posing no visible challenge to his hold on power. "This is not just an unlawful arrest," an associate of the prince told AFP. "I would like to ask you to raise this issue... with the highest relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia appealing for Prince Salman's release. In March, authorities arrested the Saudi king's brother Prince Ahmed and nephew Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, who was edged out as heir to the throne by MBS in 2017. More baffling is the detention of Prince Salman, whose non-political philanthropic work makes him an unlikely rival to MBS.

Source: Dhaka Tribune June 01, 2020 03:00 UTC