The New York Times has revealed that former Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Naif, still in custody, is unable to move without a cane due to an ankle injury after undergoing trauma and torture.

The newspaper quoted two sources familiar with the situation of Prince Muhammad bin Naif as saying that the former Saudi heir was still under house arrest.

The two sources added that Ben Naif was first held in solitary confinement, during which he was deprived of sleep and hung upside down in his ankle, and then transferred to a villa next to al-Yamama Palace in Riyadh. The New York Times quoted sources as saying that Ben Naif was being held without the possibility of watching television or any other electronic device and was allowed to receive a visit from his family members only for a limited time.

Both sources indicated that Ben Naif may have injured his ankles due to torture during his arrest, and that he could not move without a cane.

According to the newspaper, so far no official indictment has been filed against Ben Naif and the government has not provided any explanation for the reason for his arrest. Most Saudi experts estimate that Ben Naif is in custody because he may prevent the current prince, Muhammad bin Salman, from trying to become the next king of Saudi Arabia.

This is not the first time U.S. reports have revealed that Ben Naif is answering after his arrest in Saudi Arabia. Last year, the American network NBC News revealed that Prince Muhammad bin Naif had lost more than 25 kg of his weight due to heavy pressure exerted on him. During his imprisonment, and despite the injuries he suffered, Muhammad bin Salman does not allow him access to painkillers.

One source, who asked not to be named, told the media: "Muhammad bin Naif has no right to leave his place of detention, and he is not allowed to see anyone, and even his personal doctor or lawyer are not exempt from that."

Ben Naif, known as the CIA's most trusted Saudi ally, has served as interior minister since 2012 and became crown prince three years later. Since November 2017, Muhammad bin Salman has arrested and tortured dozens of his cousins, in an effort to get rid of enemies or potential rivals within the ruling family in Saudi Arabia.