Trying to take bin Salman down: Speak to Saudi princes anonymously

The dramatic arrests of two Saudi high princes occurred after discussions between two men about the use of the procedural body, which was ruled by one of them, to block access to the throne for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whether the last monarch dies or becomes unable to reign.

Three sources have confirmed to The Guardian that the arrests of Prince Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz, the only remaining full brother of King Salman, and former crown prince Mohammed bin Nayef, were ordered after details of their alleged conversation had appeared at the royal court.

The arrest of two men was led by Mohammed bin Salman, whom they wanted to marginalise through an alliance on the council, a body firmly established in 2007 that ensures the quiet transition of power if a king or a crown prince dies, writes The Guardian, translates Periscope.

The council had been instrumental in securing Mohammed bin Salman as a crown prince in 2017 when it won 31 out of 34 votes, bringing Mohammed bin Nayeph down from the line of heir to the throne.

Meanwhile, Prince Ahmed is also believed to be one of the great critics of the crown prince. They will face charges of treason, although there are reports in Riyadh that such charges may not be made to avoid possible riots.

Two of Guardian's creditable sources have said the plot had occurred to try to make Prince Ahmed head of the council, a position that is currently vacant.