Saudis rally for release of detainees
Saudi Shias staged a protest on Thursday, Feb 17, 2011 in the town of Awwamiya to demand the release of political prisoners.
Protesters in Saudi Arabia's largest province have staged a demonstration to demand the release of prisoners held without trial.
The demonstration was held in the oil-producing Eastern province of Qatif on Thursday night. The protesters carried pictures of prisoners whose release they are demanding, Reuters reported.
A similar protest was also held in the neighboring town of Awwamiya almost a week ago. Following that protest, Saudi authorities freed three prisoners.
Security forces are said to be assembling in anticipation of quelling any further protests. Reports indicate that prominent Shia clerics have been detained by Saudi authorities.
Human rights activist Sadek al-Ramadan said that “deep frustrations” exist in Saudi society over high levels of poverty, unemployment, poor housing and perceived widespread corruption.
“People here are watching closely the protest movements across the region, which are tapping into long-held demands for reforms in Saudi Arabia,” al-Ramadan was quoted by the Global Research Center as saying.
Saudi King Abdullah has recently announced a series of benefits for his citizens following the revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt. The king introduced a package of social and economic overhaul amounting USD 10.7 billion.
He also ordered the implementation of a 15-percent pay hike for state employees as well as an increase in the cash available for Saudi housing loans.
Analysts believe the benefits introduced by the king are intended to avert an uprising in the country.
On Friday, a group named Jeddah Youth for Change called for a rally in the southwestern coastal city to show solidarity with the pro-democracy uprisings across the Arab world.
Thousands of people have announced their preparedness for attending protests after Saudi youth named March 11th the “Day of Rage” on the social networking website, Facebook.
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