Saudis shut Egyptian embassy

Saudi Arabia shut its embassy and consulates in Egypt on Saturday following protests over an Egyptian human rights lawyer detained in Saudi Arabia.

"This is the result of unjustified protests outside the kingdom's missions in Egypt," the Saudi state news agency quoted a government official as saying.

Egyptians held protests outside the Saudi embassy in Cairo and consulates in other cities, demanding the release of Ahmed Mohammed al-Gizawi, who was arrested on arrival at Jeddah airport on April 17.

Gizawi was reportedly sentenced in absentia to one year in prison and 20 lashes for criticism of the Saudi government. His supporters said he travelled to the Gulf state on pilgrimage and was being targeted for his work on behalf of Egyptian detainees in Saudi prisons. Gizawi had accused King Abdullah and Saudi authorities of arbitrary arrests and torture of Egyptians.

Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, the head of Egypt's ruling military council, contacted the Saudi government on Saturday to try to resolve the issue and "heal the rift." The Egyptian government denounced the demonstrators' actions on Saturday, saying they damaged diplomatic relations between Cairo and Riyadh.

Saudi authorities say Mr Gizawi was found by airport officials to be carrying some 20,000 anti-anxiety pills in his luggage.

Saudi Arabia severed ties with Egypt when Cairo signed a peace deal with Israel in 1979. Diplomatic relations were restored in 1987. This is among the most serious disputes since then.

jm/msh (Reuters, dpa)