Number of Saudi princes back free

riyad - The Saudi authorities have released a number of Saudi princes and businessmen who were arrested in November last year. For their freedom they had to put substantial amounts on the table, although it is not known exactly how much is paid, reports the BBC.

These include Waleed al-Ibrahim, head of the television network MBC and Khalid al-Tuwaijri, who previously headed the royal court. They were simultaneously arrested with a series of Saudi businessmen and princes after the government under crown prince Mohammed bin Salman started a major campaign against corruption.

Most prominent target was Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, who is still being held. The prince is one of the richest people in the world. His assets are estimated at at least 15 billion euros. In an interview with Reuters, he says he expects to be released soon.

Journalists spoke to him in his suite the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh where he has been staying for two months. 'There are no charges. There are only a few disagreements between me and the government, 'he says. He also wanted to emphasize that he is well treated during his imprisonment.

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier that he could free himself for $ 6 billion (5.05 billion euros).