Saudi Cleric confirms prominent Preacher’s arrest

Saudi preacher Salman Al-Ouda confirmed media reports that prominent preacher Mohamed Al-Arifi has been arrested following his recent Tweets regarding the train in the Grande Mosque in Mecca.

Al-Ouda, who is the vice president of the International Union of Muslim Scholars headed by Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, recently Tweeted: “Oh God, please release him soon and allow him to return to his family and loved ones. Thank God for everything.” Al-Ouda’s remarks were accompanied with the hashtag Arifi in custody.

Since October 8, there have been unconfirmed reports of Al-Arifi’s detention after he returned from Hajj and began to Tweet criticisms about the use of a train during the Muslim pilgrimage. He said the lack of organisation within Mecca led to many delays.

Saudi authorities did not confirm or deny Al-Arifi’s arrest until last Thursday and his family was forced to remain silent about the matter.

Al-Arifi was previously arrested in July for sympathising with Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi after he was ousted and arrested by Egyptian military authorities.