The return of Abdul Aziz Al-Shambari, 37, to the Kingdom after working with Al-Islah (Reform) Movement led by Saad Al-Faqih in London was not part of any deal with the government, his brother Abdullah said. Shambari, who graduated from a US university, arrived at Jeddah airport on Sunday morning and was received by his family members including wife and three children. Saudi authorities did not arrest or interrogate him on arrival.
"Why didn't you arrest him when he got into the country, chief?"
"We can pick him up any time. Mahmoud's tailing him now!"
"But why, chief?"
"I want to see who he hangs around with, Ahmed." |
âMy brother was very happy when he united with his family after two years and four months,â Abdullah told Asharq Al-Awsat, a sister publication of Arab News. âAbdul Aziz returned to the country after introspection. It was not the result of a government deal as some people try to propagate. He is ready to talk about his association with Al-Islah during the past two years,â Abdullah added.
"If he comes in and talks to us, there's lots he can tell us. If it ain't what we want to hear, then we take the pliers to him."
"Brilliant, chief!"
"And then after he's told us everything we want to know, maybe we can make a deal."
"But he won't have anyting left to deal with, chief!"
"Heh heh!"
"Ummm... Heh heh!" |
Shambari has repented for every day he had spent with Al-Islah, an organization of Saudi dissidents, Abdullah said, adding that the group had cheated a number of Saudis by spreading false information. âAl-Islah intends to fish in troubled waters,â Shambari was quoted as saying.
| "We got some troubled waters here in Soddy Arabia, Ahmed. Troubled. I'd like to catch some o' the big fish..." |
Shambari said he took the decision to leave the organization on his own without any pressure from government or family. âAbdul Aziz is now leading a normal life. Yesterday he toured Jeddah with his wife and children who had come from Taif,â Abdullah said.
| "Chief! This is Mahmoud! Looky, they're driving around Jeddah, the lot of 'em, in one car! Can I bring 'em in, chief?" |
Shambari, a former employee of Saudi Arabian Airlines, left the Kingdom on Sept. 20, 2003. Abdullah, who had gone to London to accompany Shambari, said he had not met with Faqeeh. âMy brother had left Faqeeh long time ago when he discovered that his organization was false,â Abdullah said. âWhile Abdul Aziz was with Al-Islah, the government did not put any pressure on the family,â he said, adding that the authorities had issued passports to his wife and children when they wanted to travel. Abdullah said his brother had disclosed his intention to return about six months ago.
"Abdullah! I gotta get out! I can't take it no more!"
"You can't just walk?"
"I'm afraid they'll bump me off! I know too much!" |
Um Nama, wife of Shambari, said the return of her husband was not a surprise for her as he realized that Al-Islah was working to undermine the Kingdomâs security and stability. âI hope he will be able to perform Haj this time in order to cleanse his sins and lead a new life,â she added. |