Saudi human-rights activists blasted the government in the aftermath of the Jeddah floods that claimed nearly 120 lives, AFP reported on Monday (December 14th). The Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association praised Saudi King Abdullah for launching an inquiry into what went wrong as the floods swept through the port city, causing up to $1 billion in damage.

The group blamed corruption and, unusually, royal family members. "Corrupt behaviors have become the general norm of royal family members. They occupy top government positions, compete to rob public funds and accumulate illegitimate wealth," the statement read. The group also called for fewer royal family members to be appointed to high-level positions as well as the election of provincial governors and parliamentarians.