Shiite cleric released in Saudi after series of protest - Summary

Sun, 06 Mar 2011

Riyadh - Saudi authorities have released Shiite cleric Tawfiq al-Amer, a source from the kingdom's minority said Sunday, after a series of protests demanding his release along with that of other prisoners.

Authorities of the eastern province in Saudi Arabia released al- Amer, who was arrested after his calls for a constitutional monarchy and equal rights for minority Shiites, the source added.

Authorities were recently criticized by rights groups, including the New York-based Human Rights Watch, for the arrest al-Amer.

The Interior Ministry issued a ban on all demonstrations Saturday after a series of protests by Shiites over the past week demanding the release of prisoners.

Some 40 women were arrested after they held a protest Saturday in front of a government building in Dammam city, demanding the release of Shiite prisoners jailed since 1996 in connection with the Khobar bombing that killed 19 US soldiers, eyewitnesses said.

The women were also beaten before they were detained, they added.

The Interior Ministry issue a ban on Saturday on all kinds of demonstrations, saying they go against Islamic law and traditions of the oil-rich kingdom.

The ministry said security forces would take all necessary action against those who violate the regulations.

The ban comes ahead of a Facebook group call for "Day of Rage" protests on March 11 calling for political reforms, the release of political prisoners, more employment opportunities, and greater freedoms.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/370492,series-protest-summary.html.