A Saudi Arabian activist said his government provided Egypt’s military with $1 billion to stage a coup against former president Mohammed Morsi and install interim leadership.
Political activist Mujtahid bin Hareth bin Hammaam, who operates an active Twitter campaign aimed at exposing corruption in the Saudi government, said Gen. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi received the money on July 3, United Press International reported. The reason for the payoff, he alleged, was so Egypt’s transfer of power would flow smoothly.
But now the Saudi government isn’t sure it spent its money wisely, he said.
“King Abdullah knows well that failure of the coup in Egypt will be a disaster for al-Saud because any new government will be stronger and will adopt anti-Saudi Arabia policies,” Mr. Mujtahid tweeted, according to UPI. “That is why King Abdullah is one of the supporters of unlimited use of force in cracking down protesters. … King Abdullah not only supported the coup and tried to convince others to accept new changes, he also helped el-Sisi.”
The Saudi king is trying to influence the West from taking action — including the issuance of strong criticisms — against Egypt, the activist said.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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