Lebanese authorities claim ex-PM Hariri being held in Saudi Arabia

Hariri resigned on November 4 while visiting Saudi Arabia, citing concerns that he could be assassinated like his father.

According to a Lebanese government official, authorities believe that former Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri is being held in Saudi Arabia.

“Lebanon is heading towards asking foreign and Arab states to put pressure on Saudi to release Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri,” the unnamed official has stated as cited by Reuters.

The official further said, “Keeping Hariri with restricted freedom in Riyadh is an attack on Lebanese sovereignty. Our dignity is his dignity. We will work with states to return him to Beirut.”

Riyadh and Hariri aides have denied allegations that he is under house arrest, but haven’t denied that movements are being restricted.

Hariri’s resignation came in the wake of a statement by Saudi Minister for Gulf Affairs Thamer al-Sabhan, who stated that Riyadh expected Lebanon to “act to deter” Hezbollah movement, which is included in the country’s government, as it is allegedly posing a threat to Saudi Arabia.