In supporting King Salman bin Abdulaziz`s decree to fight corruption, Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars today said the Islamic Kingdom must fight corruption the same way it fights terrorism.
“Combating it (corruption) is no less than fighting terrorism,” the highest religious body said on Twitter.
“Fighting corruption is dictated by Islamic Sharia law and should be done for national interest,” it added.
The Council of Senior Scholars` reiteration came shortly after the arrest of dozens of public figures including the prominent billionaire investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, plus 10 other princes, four ministers and tens of former ministers, as part of an anti-corruption purge.
Saudi local media said billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal and National Guard Minister Prince Miteb bin Abdullah were among those detained in the sweep, on Saturday.
The arrests came hours after an anti-corruption committee, under Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman, was formed by a royal decree.
Saudi Arabia`s King Salman has given absolute powers to the new anti-corruption committee to investigate cases, issue arrest warrants and travel restrictions and freeze assets.
“The homeland will not exist unless corruption is uprooted and the corrupt are held accountable,” the royal decree said.
