French arrest warrant out for Saudi crown prince's sister: Report
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France has issued an arrest warrant for the sister of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on suspicion of ordering her bodyguard to beat up a worker at her Paris apartment, sources close to the case told AFP on Thursday.
The mandate against the princess, named in the warrant under the French spelling Hussat ben Salmane, was issued in late December, a source said, confirming a report by Le Point magazine.
The princess, however, left France in 2016 after her bodyguard was arrested on charges related to the worker's alleged beating.
The incident reportedly kicked off when the decorator took photos inside the princess' apartment in the upscale Avenue Foch in the 16th arrondissement in September 2016.
The princess was concerned that the workman was going to sell photos to the press. He said it was part of his work.
"We must kill him, this dog, he does not deserve to live," the princess is reported to have told her bodyguard.
We must kill him, this dog, he does not deserve to live
- reported comments of Saudi princess
The bodyguard, who was armed, then allegedly hit the decorator on the head, tied his hands and ordered him to kneel and kiss the royal's feet.
The decorator told the police that after four hours, another man interceded, took a copy of the worker's ID and told him never to return to the arrondissement. He left without his equipment which he claims was taken from him.
In October 2016, the bodyguard was charged with armed violence, theft, issuing death threats and holding someone against their will.
When the decorator reported the incident to authorities, bruises were visible on his body, according to a report on French website The Local.
He has since reportedly billed the Saudis nearly $25,000 for his decorating work, but has yet to be compensated.
Elie Hatem, the bodyguard’s barrister, has previously denied that his client attacked the worker. "There were more than 20 people in the apartments," he said in 2016.
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