Ahmad Abdullah Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — A court in Jeddah on Tuesday released on bail five people accused of involvement in what became known as Al-Nakheel terrorist plot. The five defendants, however, are required to appear in the court in subsequent hearings. The public prosecutor accused the other three defendants in the case of joining Al-Nakheel cell, providing shelter to runaway terrorists and supporting disruptive activities. They were also charged with promoting the cell's ideology and encouraging young men to join it. The cell members were accused of plotting to destroy the Kingdom's oil industry. Other charges against them include procuring weapons with the intention of creating instability and disrupting security of the country, and forging ID cards to help terrorists carry out criminal activities without being traced. The court also looked into the case of a citizen who was known for issuing fatwas in favor of Al-Qaeda organization and financing the terrorist network. The man was also accused of advising security officers to support Al-Qaeda and rebel against the country's leadership. The prosecutor alleged that the man had circulated pamphlets justifying terrorist operations and supported Al-Qaeda leaders who openly opposed the country. The man had raised funds for Al-Qaeda in Iraq and issued fatwas permitting young Saudis to fight in the neighboring country, the prosecutor said. He was also accused of severely criticizing well-known scholars and claiming that the country is not ruled according to the Book of Allah. The prosecutor said the man had sheltered two wanted people and secured mobile SIM cards for a terrorist to help him communicate with fellow operatives.
