Turki bin Bandar

Prince Turki bin Bandar bin Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Saud is a Saudi Arabian businessman and former member of the kingdom’s royal family, recognized prominently for his outspoken opposition against the ruling family’s political approaches. His active stance calling for sweeping political reforms drew significant global attention, especially among human rights activists and political observers.

After publicly dissenting against the Saudi establishment, Turki mysteriously vanished in 2015, triggering widespread speculation about his current status. There are widespread claims that he was forcibly returned to Saudi Arabia where he is believed to be detained.

Prince Turki’s critiques against the Saudi royal family were widely shared through YouTube following his relocation to Paris.

Here at Arageek, we highlight the intriguing yet troubling story of Turki bin Bandar. Through his audacious stance, he prompted critical dialogues on governance, transparency, and human rights. His disappearance underscores complexities surrounding political dissent in modern Middle Eastern politics, posing pertinent questions we must continually revisit:

How much space truly exists for meaningful reform dissent? And, more importantly, what are the risks involved in such courageous advocacy?

We encourage our readers to stay informed about these compelling global stories, join discussions, and think critically about freedom of speech, human rights, and accountable governance.

Born on July 19, 1964, in Riyadh, Prince Turki was part of a lineage closely tied to Saudi Arabia’s founding monarch, King Abdulaziz Al Saud. His paternal grandfather was Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, and his maternal grandfather was none other than King Abdulaziz himself.

Growing up within such influential circles, Turki attended King Abdulaziz Military College around 1983. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Military Sciences, he initially served as an infantry officer in Sharurah before transferring to the Ministry of Interior, where he worked in investigation and intelligence.

He further pursued specialized training related to traffic law enforcement and international policing in 1985-1986.

Prince Turki bin Bandar has maintained a strictly private stance regarding his family and personal relationships, revealing minimal information to the public.

Prince Turki bin Bandar: From Saudi Official to Exiled Dissident

Prince Turki bin Bandar began his career within the Saudi government, holding influential roles such as Assistant Director of Safety in the Department of Traffic Information and Sports Affairs. His path appeared aligned with a future in public service. However, between 1996 and 1997, he made a pivotal decision to resign from government duties and turn his full attention to managing his family’s business interests.

Following the death of his brother, Prince Mohammed bin Bandar, Turki became Chairman of Banader International Group, leading the company into a new phase of domestic and international expansion. Under his leadership, the group grew its footprint significantly, positioning itself as a notable player in business circles.

A Turning Point: From Business to Dissent

After leaving Saudi Arabia, Prince Turki’s trajectory took a dramatic turn. He emerged as a vocal critic of the Saudi political system, using global platforms such as YouTube to advocate for political reform in the Kingdom. His views gained traction through published articles in international media, as well as poems expressing his personal anguish, longing for justice, and resistance to what he saw as systemic oppression.

Accusations Against Senior Royals

Central to his grievances were allegations that senior members of the Saudi royal family had confiscated assets belonging to his mother, Princess Al-Bandari bint Abdulaziz. He claimed these actions were not only illegal but also inflicted severe emotional distress on his mother, contributing to her eventual death.

Prince Turki specifically named King Abdullah, former Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz, and Prince Saud bin Nayef, accusing them of orchestrating a deliberate scheme to seize his family’s properties.

Arrest and Extradition

In 2015, Prince Turki was arrested by authorities at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, Morocco, following the issuance of an international arrest warrant. After legal proceedings, Morocco’s Court of Cassation approved his extradition to Saudi Arabia on November 11, 2015.

Since his return to the Kingdom, his whereabouts and current condition remain unknown. No official statements have been released, and his case has prompted concern from numerous international human rights organizations, which have called for transparency and accountability regarding his fate.

Turki often accused senior figures within Saudi Arabia’s ruling establishment of confiscating assets belonging to his mother, Princess Al-Bandari bint Abdulaziz, suggesting these actions deeply contributed to her suffering and eventual demise. He became a vocal critic, specifically targeting King Abdullah, former Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz, and Prince Saud bin Nayef for allegedly conspiring to seize his family’s properties.

In 2015, authorities apprehended him at Morocco’s Mohammed V Airport due to an international arrest warrant. The Moroccan Court of Cassation ultimately approved his extradition to Saudi Arabia on November 11, 2015. Following his extradition, details about his circumstances remain unknown, leading several human-rights organizations to express concern over his well-being and current status.