Saudi Arabia says it has arrested 46 people, including one Qatari national, for inciting divisions in the country.
The official Saudi Press Agency reported late on Wednesday that 22 suspects were arrested for sowing public dissent, while a further 24 were arrested for stirring tribal divisions in Hail.
A spokesman for the Saudi authorities said those arrested in the northern city had been using social networking sites to “provoke sedition and tribal tensions” leading to ordinary people standing illegally by the headquarters of the governate of the region.
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The case is currently being investigated and the ministry of interior has warned that anyone else found to have been involved will be arrested.
“The ministry of interior declares that it will stand firmly in front of such practices and the spread of lies and breach of the security of society and the safety of its members,” the ministry said. “And warns at the same time that it will punish all those who seek to disturb the security and stability of this country and its citizens and residents on its territory.”
The arrests come at a time where Saudi officials have repeatedly warned against the spreading of messages that "sow discord" and have been acting swiftly against those suspected of doing so.
