Seraphim
06-04-2004, 05:26 PM
RIYADH (AFP) - Saudi Arabia's highest Muslim authority issued a fatwa, or religious edict, calling on both citizens and expatriates to inform on suspected Islamist extremists engaged in terrorist activities.
The committee that issues religious rulings, headed by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh, "urges citizens and (foreign) residents to inform on anyone planning or preparing to carry out an act of sabotage," said the fatwa, carried by the state SPA news agency.
The aim is to "protect the people and the country from the destructive effects of such actions and to shield the planners themselves from the consequences of their actions," it said.
The edict also called on the Islamist extremists to "fear God Almighty and come back to their senses."
The committee said it had issued its edict in response to inquiries about "the appalling events of the past few weeks," which have seen an escalation in the terror campaign blamed on sympathizers of the Al-Qaeda terror network.
More than 85 people have been killed and hundreds injured in the wave of violence which began in May 2003. In one of the bloodiest episodes, 22 people were killed when gunmen went on a shooting rampage and seized hostages in the oil city of Al-Khobar last weekend.
Friday's edict reinforces repeated calls by Saudi officials on the population to inform on terror suspects, coupled with warnings that those who turn a blind eye to terrorist activities will be seen as accomplices of the extremists.
Authorities have promised hefty financial rewards for those who help catch most-wanted militants or thwart attacks.
The committee that issues religious rulings, headed by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh, "urges citizens and (foreign) residents to inform on anyone planning or preparing to carry out an act of sabotage," said the fatwa, carried by the state SPA news agency.
The aim is to "protect the people and the country from the destructive effects of such actions and to shield the planners themselves from the consequences of their actions," it said.
The edict also called on the Islamist extremists to "fear God Almighty and come back to their senses."
The committee said it had issued its edict in response to inquiries about "the appalling events of the past few weeks," which have seen an escalation in the terror campaign blamed on sympathizers of the Al-Qaeda terror network.
More than 85 people have been killed and hundreds injured in the wave of violence which began in May 2003. In one of the bloodiest episodes, 22 people were killed when gunmen went on a shooting rampage and seized hostages in the oil city of Al-Khobar last weekend.
Friday's edict reinforces repeated calls by Saudi officials on the population to inform on terror suspects, coupled with warnings that those who turn a blind eye to terrorist activities will be seen as accomplices of the extremists.
Authorities have promised hefty financial rewards for those who help catch most-wanted militants or thwart attacks.