RIYADH, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Interior Ministry announced Monday finding the body of the judge abducted late last year in Al Qatif region in the Eastern Province, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jirani, the judge of Endowments and Inheritance Department was abducted in front of his house in Tarout town in the region.

In January, the ministry tweeted the arrest of three citizens and named three other fugitives in the case. The kidnapped judge was targeted before in several attacks against his property and an attempt to arson his house.

Qatif is among few areas populated with minority Shiite community in Saudi Arabia that face on and off violence and rioting by those who demand more rights.