Saudi Arabia detains hundreds of government officials

The Saudi’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha) announced on Sunday that 298 government officials, including military and security personnel, have been detained in Saudi Arabia on charges involving bribery and exploiting public office.
The arrests come just days after a crackdown against senior royals, including King Salman’s brother and nephew, on charges of plotting a coup.
The Nazaha added the investigators would bring charges against those in custody, including bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power, involving a total of 379 million riyals ($101 million).
Among the arrested are 8 defence ministry officers suspected of bribery and money laundering; 29 interior ministry officials, including three colonels, a major general and a brigadier general, as well as two judges, which were also detained for receiving bribes.
The crackdowns are seen as a power play of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the son of King Salman and the heir to the Saudi throne. Experts say the Crown Prince regularly uses purges to remove people who could potentially pose a political threat.
The country is still facing international criticism over last year’s murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the premises of the consulate-general of the kingdom. Criticism of the royal family in Saudi Arabia can lead to prison. Public protests, political parties, and labor unions are banned. Protesters are arrested and labeled traitors.