 In March 2002, the Libyan government sued "Al Watan" due to its criticisms over the positions of Libya and its then leader, Muammar Gaddafi, leading to deterioration of the strong ties between Libya and Saudi Arabia.Faisal bin Abdullah, president of the Saudi Red Crescent Society, filed a lawsuit due to perceived defamation against one of "Al Watan" journalists, Saleh al Shehy, in June 2007.The other controversy experienced by the paper was about Kenan bin Abdallah al Ghamidi.