Saudi Arabia puts 30 on trial for spying

Saudi police have arrested 30 people, mainly from the al-Qatif region in the east, which is predominantly Shi'ite, accusing them of spying.

King Salman of Saudi Arabia Source: AAP

Saudi Arabia is putting 30 people on trial on charges of allegedly spying for Iran.

Those facing trial include an Afghan and Iranian, newspaper al-Hayat reported on Monday.

The mass arrest comes as Saudi Arabia, a Sunni monarchy, and Iran, led by Shi'ite clerics, deepen their regional rivalry, including backing opposition sides in the Syrian and Yemeni conflicts.

Saudi Arabia has long faced unrest among its Shi'ite minority, which charges that the government discriminates against them in all aspects of life, including economically and religiously.

Al Arabiya news channel said all 30 of the defendants were from the al-Qatif region, in the east, which is predominantly Shi'ite.

The charges against the group include plotting with Iranian intelligence against the kingdom, and that some of the alleged spies met with Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

They are accused of high treason.