Three men sought in connection with the abduction of a judge last month are already on a wanted list for their suspected involvement in terrorist attacks in eastern Saudi Arabia, the interior ministry said on Sunday.

The judge, Sheikh Mohammed Al Jirani, disappeared in December from outside his home in Qatif province. 

No group has claimed responsibility for his abduction but local media have suggested it may be related to his work for the Saudi government.

An interior ministry spokesman said three of the men believed to have taken part in the abduction were also among nine people wanted in connection with past "terrorist acts" in Qatif province and the eastern city of Dammam, including attacks on citizens and security personnel.

He named the three as Maitham Ali Mohammed Al Qudaihi, Ali Bilal Saud Al Hamad and Mohammed Hussein Ali Al Ammar.

Speaking at a news conference in Riyadh, the ministry spokesman, Mansour Al Turki, warned the kidnappers not to harm Jirani.

Turki also said authorities were holding three other men suspected of carrying out surveillance work that preceded the kidnapping.

Qatif is located in the oil-producing Eastern Province.

Source: Timesofoman