Reformist Saudi Judge Says His House Attacked

An armed gang has repeatedly attacked the house of an influential Saudi judge in Riyadh, local media reported today. Issa al-Ghaith, a criminal court judge, told Al Arabiya that the police were slow to respond.

“My house in the Saudi capital Riyadh has been fired at by gang members who have repeatedly tried to break into my house and kidnap my family members,” he said.

Al-Ghaith is well known for supporting King Abdullah’s reform policies, including the decision to allow men and women to study together at KAUST. His views brought him him the wrath of conservatives who accused him of encouraging the Westernization of Saudi society.

The judge said he is unaware of the reasons behind the recent attack on his house and if it is related to his work in the judiciary.