King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has sacked two powerful religious officials in a wide ranging shake-up of the cabinet and other government posts.
One of the dismissed men was the head of the controversial religious police force. The other was the country's most senior judge.
The king also appointed the country's first-ever female minister and replaced the head of the central bank.
Correspondents say such government reshuffles are rare in Saudi Arabia.
King Abdullah, who came to power in 2005, has for a long time had the reputation of a reformer - and the latest appointments have the makings of one of the biggest shake-ups in Saudi public life for many years.
-Aricle continued off site, courtesy BBC News.
