Tabloid returns to stands after six-week ban

Riyadh: Al Shams, Saudi Arabia's first tabloid daily newspaper, hit the newsstands again yesterday after a gap of more than six weeks.

This was following the lifting of a ban slapped on the tabloid by the Saudi authorities for its republishing of the offensive cartoons depicting Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

Renowned Saudi writer Khalaf Al Harbi has been appointed as the new Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper following the sacking of Batal Al Qus, who was responsible for republishing the cartoons.

Sources at Al Shams told Gulf News that the tabloid would stick to its policy of highlighting issues concerning the younger generation and waging a fight against injustice without fear or favour.

The tabloid had played a vital role in infusing a new spirit of defiance among young Saudis and launching a massive campaign to boycott Danish products as a protest against the provocative cartoons.

The tabloid republished the cartoons as part of an aggressive media campaign launched by it against those who insulted and denigrated the Prophet. However, republishing of the cartoons triggered widespread protests within the Kingdom and outside in the Muslim world.

Even Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti Shaikh Abdul Aziz Alu Al Shaikh intervened in the issue, and issued a religious verdict saying that republishing of the offensive cartoons in the name of a campaign against it was not permissible.

The Ministry of Information and Culture started an investigation into the incident that resulted in the closure of the tabloid and sacking of its editor-in-chief Al Qus.

Al Shams carried yesterday a special story titled "The youths are coming," which, according to sources at the tabloid, is a telling example that it is determined to go ahead with its declared goals and objectives. "The newspaper will strive hard to highlight and address the issues concerning young Saudi men and women and will remain as a staunch advocate to protect their legitimate rights besides making them aware of their duties and responsibilities," the source said.

Al Shams, a sister publication of the London-based Al Hayat Arabic newspaper, is owned by Prince Khalid Bin Sultan, son of Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defence and Aviation.

Saudi authorities' decision to lift the ban on the tabloid coincides with the release of noted reformist and Da'wa worker Dr Mohsen Al Awaji on Tuesday.

He was pardoned by King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia. Dr Al Awaji was detained 10 days ago following the publishing of an article written by him criticising the policies of Labour Minister Dr Gazi Al Gosaibi.