Stories about Saudi Arabia from June, 2013
Saudi Forces Hunt and Kill ‘Wanted’ Protester in Residential Area
According to netizen reports, Saudi Emergency Forces entered residential areas in the eastern city of Qatif over two nights, and opened fire. An innocent bystander was killed on the first night, and a man 'wanted' by authorities for protesting and demanding reform in the Kingdom, was shot dead on the second night.
Saudi Human Rights Activist Sentenced To 8 Years in Prison
Abdulkareem al-Khadar, founding member of the Kingdom's defiant leading human rights organisation, the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA), was sentenced to eight years in prison for inciting public opinion and establishing an unlicensed human rights organization, among other charges.
Simultaneous “Sit-ins for Freedom” Held Across Saudi Cities
Small groups of Saudi women held simultaneous “Sit-ins for Freedom” across Saudi cities on June 10th, 2013, which were called for by anonymous advocacy group @almonaseron [The Supporters] to call for release of their imprisoned relatives. As a result, over 140 protesters, men and women, were arrested by Saudi forces during the previous two days.
Families of Saudi's ‘Arbitrarily Imprisoned’ Protest from Home
Friday, June 7th, marked the Second Detainees Day, an event called for by anonymous advocacy group @e3teqal and @almonaseron to raise awareness about the issue of arbitrary detainment in the absolute Saudi monarchy. Participants in the protest hang the photographs of detainees on their homes to draw attention to their plight.
Saudi Arabia Blocks Instant Messaging App Viber
Following the Saudi threat to block encrypted communication software unless the government is allowed to spy, the instant messaging application Viber was blocked earlier yesterday. The website can no longer be accessed and the application does not connect.
Saudi Prisoners On and Off Hunger Strikes
The Twitter account dedicated to Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA ) member, Mohammed Al-Bjadi, @FreeAlbjadi, published two letters written by Mohammed Al-Bjadi in prison last year. The letters were published after the Saudi Ministry of Interior denied that Al-Bjadi has gone on hunger strike. We share translations of the letters, that have been making the rounds online. Also read about the plight of prisoner Sayyed Aqeel Al-Shakhouri, who has been detained in October 2011, and is still awaiting trial.
Saudi Youth Arrested for Allegedly “Insulting Religion”
Two young Saudi men were arrested in Riyadh by the Committee of the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (CPVPV) for allegedly insulting religion. One of them, Bader Al-Rasheed, shares his ordeal in a series of tweets.
