Saudis protest government’s discriminatory behavior

Protesters have taken to the streets in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province to condemn what they call the government’s discriminatory behavior.

The demonstration took place in the Qatif region, situated about 418 kilometers (259 miles) east of the capital, Riyadh.

The protesters also called on the al-Saud regime to respect citizens in the kingdom.

Qatif has been the scene of numerous anti-government protests since February 2011. Demonstrations have also taken place in other regions across Saudi Arabia including the capital, Riyadh.

Protesters primarily called for the release of all political prisoners, freedom of expression and assembly, and an end to widespread discrimination.

Al Saud rulers have been also the target of the protests, especially after security forces killed five protesters and injured many others in the province in November 2011.

Regime forces have frequently raided the houses of the anti-regime activists in Qatif region to arrest those responsible for organizing demonstrations.

Amnesty International has called on the Saudi authorities to “end their repeated moves to stifle people’s attempts to protest against the widespread use of arbitrary detention in the country,” and to respect the right of people to peaceful protest.

In Saudi Arabia, protests and political gatherings of any kind are prohibited. Activists say there are over 30,000 political prisoners in the country.