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'Saudi game of thrones': pressure grows to release jailed prince

Jailed Saudi Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz apparently espoused no political ambitions. [Image: AFP]

A $2 million (Sh200 million) US lobbying effort and petitions from European lawmakers are piling pressure on Saudi Arabia to release a philanthropist prince jailed for two years without charge amid an intensifying royal crackdown.

The detention of Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz and his father since January 2018 is part of a clampdown under de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that has ensnared not just potential rivals but also figures posing no visible challenge to his hold on power.

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