Cemeteries raided for presumed 'treasures'

Saudis going to the cemetery to visit their dead relatives were shocked to find many graves had been dug by unknown persons searching for presumed treasures.

The Arabic language daily 'Al Watan' said many graves were found to have been dug, exposing human remains in some cemeteries in the Northwestern town of Tabuk.

The paper quoted residents as saying the cemeteries raided overnight are located next to historic forts in the outskirts of the town.

“We found many graves were dug and human bones were scattered outside. These people come at night to dig graves in search of presumed treasures,” the paper said, quoting Salim Al Atawi, a Tabuk resident.

Another resident, Owda Atawi, said grave raiders believe there is gold buried in the area, adding that nothing have been found by those grave diggers.

“We call on authorities to fence all the cemeteries and assign guards for each cemetery. We need protection for our dead against these predators,” he said.