Saudis hold anti-regime protests

Activists and demonstrators gathered in several towns and villages including Qatif and Awamiya.

The protesters called for the prosecution of security forces who opened fire on peaceful demonstrators back in November.

They also expressed solidarity with Bahraini protesters and the tiny Persian Gulf country’s revolution.

Saudi military forces surrounded protesters in several towns and locations. Activists say they will continue their protests despite threats from the government.

Saudi Arabia’s east has been the scene of anti-government protests since February 2011, with demonstrators demanding rights reforms, freedom of expression, and the release of political prisoners.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have also criticized the Al Saud regime for silencing dissent through intimidation and violation of the basic rights of citizens.

Meanwhile, recent reports indicate Saudi Arabia is seeking to merge with Bahrain in line with plans to unify the six Arab member states of the [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council [P]GCC.

Some member states of the [P]GCC claim the purpose of the unity is to counter regional threats.

In December 2011, Saudi King Abdullah called on the council members to move “beyond the stage of cooperation and into the stage of unity in a single entity.”

However, some members of the council have expressed concern about Saudi Arabia’s possible dominance over the other five countries if the council becomes unified.

SZH/JR

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