RIYADH, March 17: About 900 imams and khateebs have been suspended in Saudi Arabia for negligence, Dr. Saleh Al-Sadlan, professor of law at Riyadh's Imam Muhammad ibn Saud University and head of the advisory committee in the Ministry of Islamic Affairs was quoted here on Wednesday in the press as saying.

The reason for the suspension is that various flaws and shortcomings were noted, mainly to do with failure to do what is required of imams and khateebs, Dr. Al-Sadlan explained.

He added that seminars would be held to advise those who are detected making frequent mistakes. Dr. Al-Sadlan was speaking to a group of imams, khateebs and muazzins at a meeting. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has set up a committee to advice imams and muazzins.

"The committee will have branches in every region and teams have also been established," said Dr. Al-Sadlan. Meanwhile, the Saudi Interior Ministry has confirmed the arrest of a number of individuals in connection with seditious statements.

"A limited number of individuals have been detained for questioning about statements they issued that do not serve national unity and the social fabric built on Shariat," a ministry official told the Saudi Press Agency when asked whether police had arrested any individuals. No further details were made available in the report.