The first hearing for defendants held on suspicion of carrying out acts to destabilize Saudi Arabia was held on Wednesday. The suspects appeared before the criminal court in Riyadh where a list of charges against them was read by the presiding judge. Asharq Al-Awsat was present at the hearing where the suspects presented requests for their temporary release. The judge said he would consider the requests. The suspects were allowed to meet with their loved ones after they received the list of charges. Another court session will be held for the suspects to present their plea.