In fresh evidence that the government of Iran continues its efforts to undermine Saudi stability and security from within, a Saudi court has convicted a Saudi businessman of plotting with the government of Iran to instigate sectarian strife and threaten Saudi social stability, according to a report in al-Sharq al-Awsat.

In addition to maintaining a television channel, “One Nation,” which was allegedly broadcasting programs “promoting hatred and sectarianism,” the businessman also held meetings with officials at the Iranian Consulate in Jeddah and traveled to Iran, where he met with an Iranian religious authority. 

The unnamed Saudi was accused by the court of efforts to organize anti-government protests in an effort to destabilize the community.  The businessman was sentenced to six years in prison and banned from leaving Saudi Arabia for an additional six years.


The Middle East Institute (MEI) is an independent, non-partisan, non-for-profit, educational organization. It does not engage in advocacy and its scholars’ opinions are their own. MEI welcomes financial donations, but retains sole editorial control over its work and its publications reflect only the authors’ views. For a listing of MEI donors, please click here.