Saudi Arabia criminalises participation in overseas combats

Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Monday issued a royal order by virtue of which Saudi nationals who take part in overseas hostilities will receive jail terms ranging between three and 20 years."Whoever participates or is involved in hostilities outside the Kingdom or joins radical religious and intellectual groups or currents, will be sentenced by no less than three years and not more than 20 years in prison," SPA news agency reported, citing the order.However, the punishment will be increased to no less than five years and no more than 30 years in prison for military personnel, said the royal order which takes effect 30 days after being published in the official Gazette.The order is based on the objectives of the Islamic Sharia to preserve the nation's religion, security, unity and cohesion; maintain the State's entity; invalidate pretexts targeting the public order and interest, the report added.