The Public Prosecutors’ Office in Riyadh issued a statement on Saturday about the recent arrest of Saudi citizens on allegations of conspiring to undermine the security of the Kingdom, reports Arab News.

Seventeen people were detained and questioned, prosecutors said. Of the 17, five women and three men have been provisionally released until investigations are complete. The remaining five men and four women remain under arrest, based on the evidence against them and their own confessions, prosecutors said.

Those who have confessed admitted communicating and collaborating with people and groups hostile to the Kingdom; recruiting people in a sensitive government organization to obtain confidential information and official documents that harmed Saudi national security; and providing financial and moral support to hostile elements abroad.

In its statement, the Public Prosecution said it was keen to complete the investigation in a manner that achieved justice without prejudice to the security and safety of the country.

Those detained were treated in a way that ensured their dignity and rights. They were able to contact their families and were kept in suitable accommodation, and their health and social care were guaranteed – all fundamental rights of accused persons under the law, the statement said.