Saudi national linked to Asir mosque bomber goes on trial

This file photo shows security forces gathered outside the Special Emergency Forces Mosque in Asir province minutes after it was hit by a suicide bomber in August 2015.

RIYADH: A Saudi national charged with supporting Daesh and of covering up for the mastermind of a 2015 terror attack has gone on trial in the capital.
Riyadh’s Specialized Criminal Court is hearing the case of the defendant’s alleged ties with Saeed Ayed Saeed Al-Deir Al-Shahrani, who was linked to the terrorist bombing of the Special Emergency Forces Mosque in Asir.
The attack in August 2015 killed 15 people and injured 33 others.
Al-Shahrani, who is the defendant’s uncle, was killed along with three others during a police raid in Makkah in May 2016.
The defendant currently on trial is also accused of pronouncing the security forces as non-believers, advising his brother to leave the military, and possessing guns and live ammunition without a license.
Other charges include sharing tweets in support of Daesh and possessing pornographic photos, combat videos and unauthorized books.
The judge presiding over the case granted the defendant a grace period to submit his defense.