Saudi princes arrested amid reports of coup plot

Saudi authorities have detained three princes including King Salman’s brother and nephew on charges of plotting a coup, the US media reported Friday. The crackdown is seen as a power play of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the heir to the Saudi throne.
Officials said that King Salman’s brother, Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, his nephew Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, as well as Nayef’s younger brother, Prince Nawaf bin Nayef, were detained after being accused of plotting a palace coup aimed at unseating the crown prince. They added that a number of officials have also been accused of supporting the coup and detained.
Prince Ahmed and Prince Nayef were once potential contenders for the throne.  A source close to the Saudi leadership told the media that the king is healthy and fine and that the detentions were meant to enforce discipline within the royal family. He added that the purge was carried out “after an accumulation of negative behaviour by the two princes”. On Sunday, the country released images of King Salman carrying out his royal duties.
Saudi Arabia is still facing international criticism over last year’s murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the premises of the consulate-general of the kingdom. The Crown Prince has denounced his involvement: “But I take full responsibility as a leader in Saudi Arabia, especially since it was committed by individuals working for the Saudi government”, he said.
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.