Abdel Bibi, the nephew of the late prime minister and president of Saudi Arabia, spent much of his time trying to persuade his father to withdraw the kingdom’s support for the Saudis-led coalition in Yemen. Abdul-Baha was especially critical of the Saudi military intervention in March, which killed more than 636 people, including women and children. The coalition, Abdul-Baha said, targeted civilians, not extremist Muslim militants who are fighting the Houthis.

“There should be repercussions against those who committed violence against innocent civilians,” said Abdul-Baha, one of the best-known lawyers in the kingdom. He was referring to violations on both sides during the war, including the shelling and air strikes.

The lawyers, who have a special relationship with the royal family, spoke to the BBC. They spoke to the Saudi-owned Sabq newspaper, but declined an interview request.

Read more

The case against Adel al-Jubeir is likely to be more embarrassing for him than it is for the Saudis. His government’s response to the charges appears to have been more of a shrug than a reprimand, perhaps suggesting that the case is not a career suicide.

Adel al-Jubeir’s first job in his new position, he says, was to defend Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, the former King Salman’s brother and interior minister, during a corruption trial in January.

With the exception of his legal work, the attorney-general works within his family network in a range of areas. The attorney-general is a royal son, and a member of the Shura council, which convenes to select cabinet members.

“This is a big responsibility,” he said in an interview with the BBC that occurred during his absence from court. “It’s definitely a big issue.”

In an era when many people believe that a strongman can never be overthrown, it is unlikely that a small group of lawyers will succeed in doing just that. The royal family could still appoint a replacement.

Adel al-Jubeir seems happy with his new job. “I’ve always enjoyed my job,” he said. “My father was very fond of me.”

Even if the king does hand down another public reprimand, it does not necessarily mean that his son will be jailed.

“The king also has the powers of pardoning, which he does not have in