Saudi journalist claims he is banned from writing

[May 07, 2013]  RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) -- A Saudi journalist says he has been banned from writing in a Saudi newspaper after criticizing the Interior Ministry.

Ali al-Elayan wrote on his Twitter account Tuesday that Al-Watan daily has stopped him from writing after publishing his last column, entitled "first message to Mohammed bin Nayef." Prince Mohammed bin Nayef is the Interior Minister.

In his message, he urged the minister to pay attention to the complaints of a large number of citizens about the increasing incidents of theft and burglary of houses and shops.

But al-Elayan said "there is no connection between Prince Mohammed or the Interior Ministry in the ban." He indirectly accused the editor, Talal al-Sheikh, and the editorial board of being behind it.

"Thanks to Talal al-Sheikh and the editorial board," he wrote.

[Associated Press]

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