Saudis hold fresh anti-Al Saud demos

Saudi anti-government protesters have rallied in Eastern Province, calling for the downfall of the ruling Al Saud family. Chanting slogans against the Al Saud family, hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in Qatif and Tarut Island on Friday to protest against Riyadh’s crackdown on protests and to demand the immediate release of political prisoners. They also expressed solidarity with anti-regime protesters in neighboring Bahrain, where Saudi troops are helping the Manama government suppress peaceful demonstrations. Saudis have held peaceful demonstrations in Eastern Province, mostly in the cities of Qatif and Awamiyah since February last year on an almost regular basis, demanding reforms, freedom of expression and the release of political prisoners. Protesters also want an end to economic and religious discrimination against the oil-rich region. Several demonstrators have been killed and dozens of activists have been arrested since the beginning of protests in the region. On Thursday, protest rallies were held across the province to demand the prosecution of those who opened fire on demonstrators one week earlier. Saudi security forces broke up the rallies using force and arrested several demonstrators. Riyadh has intensified its crackdown on protesters since the beginning of 2012.