A former Saudi soldier was on Monday found guilty of joining the so-called ’Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant’ (ISIL) takfriri group.

A former Saudi soldier was on Monday found guilty of joining the so-called 'Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant' (ISIL) takfriri group, a news report on the Saudi Al Arabiya TV said.

A special criminal court in Jeddah has sentenced the man to 9 years in jail and fined SR5,000 as well as slapping a travel ban of 9 years has also been imposed on him, which will begin from the date of his completing the jail term.
The verdict was challenged both by the defendant as well as the public prosecutor. They have been given time to appeal the verdict and explained the procedure.

The former soldier was found guilty of disobeying the ruler and traveling illegally to Syria via Turkey, joining ISIL terrorist organization and communicating with some of the (terrorist) brigades and organizations fighting there.

The charges also included training in how to dismantle and assemble a Kalashnikov rifle. He also provided shelter to his cousin, who joined him in traveling to Syria and taking part in the fighting there.