Saudi Arabia starts 24-hour curfew for five days

RIYADH (92 News) – Saudi Arabia on Saturday started round-the-clock curfew for five days. Lt Col Talal Al-Shalhoub, spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, said that Eidul Fitr will be celebrated with simplicity. “Eid and other prayers have been banned in mosques,” he said. He said that the people would offer the Eid prayers at their homes without the sermon. “Violations of a nationwide curfew will not be tolerated as the Kingdom goes on a complete lockdown from May 22 until the fourth day of Eid on May 27,” he announced. “Patrol cars will be stationed to monitor districts, rest houses, and other general facilities, as well as villages to regulate any curfew or social gathering violations.” He added that individuals with curfew permits could still carry out their work, unless the ministry or an official source announced otherwise. “Any person violating the curfew will be fined SR10,000 ($2,666), while reported gatherings of over five people with no familial or household ties will be fined SR5,000 per person.” Al-Shalhoub said that only those with exceptional cases could be granted individual access to move from one city to another.