The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced on Tuesday the execution of a perpetrator in Riyadh for a horrific crime that shook society, in which he treacherously killed his father and two sisters using poison.

Details of the heinous crime

According to the Ministry's statement, citizen Mohammed bin Shaleh bin Jari Al-Ghabawi Al-Otaibi murdered his father and two sisters (Amina and Maha – both Saudi nationals) using a treacherous and cowardly method. He poisoned their drinking water, causing their deaths. This crime is classified as "premeditated murder" because the perpetrator exploited the victims' trust and security within their home.

The judicial process and the legal ruling

Thanks to God and the efforts of the security forces, the perpetrator was apprehended in record time. Intensive investigations led to his indictment for the crime. Upon his referral to the competent court, a ruling was issued confirming the charges against him. Because the crime was committed in a manner that ensured the victims felt safe from the perpetrator's treachery, he was sentenced to death for treachery, a punishment that cannot be pardoned in Islamic law as it is a right of God and of society to deter treachery and betrayal.

The ruling went through all levels of litigation approved in the Saudi judicial system, as the Court of Appeal upheld the ruling, then the Supreme Court ratified it, and a royal decree was issued after that to enforce what was decided according to Sharia, and the ruling was implemented today in the Riyadh region.

The state's resolve in implementing justice

This incident reaffirms the efficiency of the security and judicial system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and its unwavering commitment to maintaining security and achieving justice. The verdict demonstrates the firm stance taken in dealing with crimes against human life, especially those involving treachery and the violation of kinship ties.

The Ministry of Interior concluded its statement by emphasizing the keenness of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to protect the security of citizens and residents, and to implement the provisions of Islamic Sharia against anyone who attacks the innocent and sheds their blood, while warning anyone who dares to commit such criminal acts that the deterrent Sharia punishment will be his inevitable fate.

The World Defence Exhibition, hosted by the Saudi capital Riyadh, showcased a groundbreaking field innovation stemming from the ideas and expertise of Royal Saudi Naval Forces personnel. This achievement was the development of a "mobile mine detector" intelligently integrated into the operational military uniform, a step aimed at revolutionizing safety standards and combat efficiency during search and detection operations in hazardous areas.

The new innovation, which was well-received by exhibition visitors and military experts, relies on an advanced forward-facing sensor system capable of detecting metals up to 30 centimeters below the surface. The system is equipped with dual alert mechanisms, including an audible and a vibration alert. The intensity of the alert increases as the soldier approaches a suspicious object or mine, providing the user with an accurate and immediate indication of danger without causing confusion or disrupting their movement during field operations.

In detailing this achievement, the two inventors from the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, Chief Warrant Officer Atiyah Al-Zahrani and First Sergeant Basem Al-Ghamdi, explained that the initial spark for the idea stemmed from practical experience in the field and the pressing need to find innovative solutions that would provide a safe means of transport and reduce the high risks faced by soldiers moving through areas suspected of being contaminated with mines. They pointed out that the engineering design of the innovation primarily focused on practicality and lightweight construction, ensuring it would not add any extra burden that could impede the movement of the individual soldier, while also guaranteeing its ease of use in various terrains and harsh environments.

This innovation is of paramount importance when viewed in the context of modern security challenges, as landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are among the most serious threats facing military forces worldwide. The added value of this innovation lies in freeing the soldier's hands from carrying heavy, traditional detection equipment, thus keeping them fully combat-ready to deal with any sudden threat during search operations, thereby enhancing their chances of survival and mission success.

The presentation of this innovation at the World Defence Exhibition reflects the significant progress witnessed by the military industries sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and aligns with the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to localize military industries and encourage innovation, research, and development by national talent. The exhibition serves as a global platform that allows Saudi innovators to showcase their competitive capabilities to major international companies and official delegations.

In conclusion, this field innovation confirms the efficiency of the Saudi human element and its ability to adapt technology to serve operational needs, as the device was developed using reliable detection technologies and integrated with smart alarm systems that help the user accurately estimate the distance from the target, which represents a valuable addition to the system of individual equipment for the Saudi soldier.

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the food security system and protect public health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority announced its success in preventing the entry of huge shipments of non-compliant food products, amounting to approximately 1,671 tons during the last quarter of 2025. This decisive step comes within the Authority’s strategy of strict oversight of border crossings and local markets to ensure the safety of what is offered to consumers.

In its latest report, the authority revealed that its inspection teams conducted 11,547 intensive inspection tours, covering 8,897 food establishments across the Kingdom. These meticulous tours resulted in the detection of 1,460 non-compliant establishments, reflecting the high level of vigilance of the inspectors and the advanced technologies used to identify violations that could threaten food safety.

Health risks and deadly microbes

Detailed laboratory analyses conducted by the Authority's laboratories revealed that the products that were banned from entry were contaminated with a range of dangerous microbes, most notably Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli (E. coli). These microbes are major causes of acute food poisoning and pose a serious threat to public health, especially to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Strategic context and the importance of oversight

These efforts are of paramount importance given the Kingdom's economic expansion and population growth, as ensuring the safety of food imports is a cornerstone of national health security. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) acts as the first line of defense against the infiltration of foodborne illnesses and epidemics, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030, which prioritizes quality of life and public health. Addressing these contaminated shipments not only protects consumers but also spares the healthcare sector the potentially exorbitant costs of treating mass poisoning cases.

Strict penalties of up to 10 million riyals

In a related context, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) stressed the necessity for importers and commercial establishments to adhere to all approved technical regulations and standards before commencing import operations. The SFDA warned that any disregard for these standards will be met with firm action, noting that the system guarantees deterrent penalties for violators, including suspension of commercial activity, imprisonment, and fines that may reach 10 million Saudi riyals, to ensure that such practices are not repeated.

The authority concluded its statement by emphasizing that it will not tolerate any violation that affects the health and safety of citizens and residents, calling on everyone to cooperate and report any violations or suspicious products by contacting the unified call center (19999), stressing the continuation of its proactive campaigns to ensure a safe and reliable food market.