Saudi Princes hunting endangered species in Algeria with a forged permit

Saudi princes hunted bustard with a forged permit.
This article is a translation of one that appeared in the Algerian newspaper - El Watan.

November 2009. A delegation of 11 Saudi princes arrived, posing as tourists, in Algeria in the desert near the Province of El Bayadh to hunt

Members of the Saudi delegation devoted themselves to the hunting of bustards, a protected species, after presenting local authorities with an authorization that came from the secretariat of the president of the republic, which later turned out to be a forged document.

What is peculiar about this affair is that the 11 members of this delegation were welcomed on their arrival by all representatives of the local authorities, including the Governor of the Province.

A contingent of security forces composed of more than 40 policemen was requisitioned in their honour to ensure their protection. It should be pointed out that it was mentioned in the document, which was in the possession of said delegation, that they should allow its members & their personnel and be given every assurance of a peaceful and secure hunting trek in El Bayadh Province territory.

The members of the Saudi delegation brought with them five eagles, trained for this type of hunting, imported into Algeria after members of the delegation certified, with documentation, that these raptors were in good health and not carrying the avian flu virus.

After twelve days of hunting, the aforementioned delegation was forbidden to continue this illicit activity after the Governor of El Bayadh Province found out that the document present to his services was falsified. This affair was officially prompted by a complaint from the Minister of the Interior along with the National Police of Dely Ibrahim demanding that an inquiry be opened.

The National Police investigation proved officially that the hunting authorization, which was in the form of a fax, was falsified.

Click here to read more on the El Watan website