Thousands of pirated CDs seized in Riyadh

The Saudi Ministry of Culture and Information has recently confiscated more than 38,000 pirated CDs from illegal street vendors as part of a comprehensive anti-piracy crackdown throughout the streets of Riyadh.

The campaign, which involved Riyadh police Secretariat of Al Riyadh Region, initially focused on the Olaya market area but later on extended to Haraj Bin Gassem, south of Riyadh.

The street vendors were questioned by the authorities to find out their sources for the seized CDs, which contained movies and games that violate copyright laws.

They were later on asked to sign commitments not to repeat their violation.

Vehicles used as a storage and pick-up points for pirated CDs were seized as well mid-way into the offensive. Scott Butler, CEO, Arabian Anti-Piracy Alliance (AAA), said: "We commended the Ministry of Culture and Information Under-Secretary Abdul Rahman Al Hazzaa for supporting co-ordinated efforts to fight all forms of piracy and copyright crimes.

"The broad initiative that the Saudi authorities recently concluded in particular realises Al Hazzaa's order to clamp down on street piracy.

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