Democracy News

Shi’ites Protest for Democratic Reforms in Saudi Arabia
March 25, 2011
By: Chinyelu Odunze | Printer Friendly

In recent weeks, a series of Shi’ite demonstrations have erupted in the monarchy of Saudi Arabia over calls for democratic reform. The March 11 protests were part of the “Day of Rage" rally, as the activists dubbed it, that was supposed to take place in the capital city of Riyadh. The purpose of the rally was to demand democratic reforms in the Sunni monarchy. Inspired by mass protests in Tunisia and Egypt, which resulted in the toppling of long-standing leaders Zine al Abidine Ben Ali and Hosni Mubarak, activists have signed petitions in favor of a constitutional monarchy.

The Eastern Province – which contains the bulk of the country’s oil fields – was the only region that saw protests on March 11. According to the Washington Post, hundreds marched in the town of Ahsa and several protesters were arrested in a nonviolent crackdown, said Ibrahim al-Mugaiteeb, the president of the country's Human Rights First Society. Another witness said that marches were held in three small towns outside Qatif and that hundreds of people marched in Qatif itself late in the evening. All the protests took place without incident.

According to Voice of America, dozens of protesters gathered on March 13 outside of Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry in Riyadh, to demand the release of political prisoners who they say are being held without trial on terrorism charges. The protesters were seeking a meeting with the country's interior minister, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, but the request was denied.

However, the Shi'ite community leaders met King Abdullah and the governor of the Eastern Province to seek the release of people detained in protests. Shi'ites complain of discrimination in a country that is ruled by Sunni Sharia Law, which is the legal code of the Sunni Muslims. Three protesters were previously injured as police fired shots in the air during a Shi'ite protest on March 10. The Shi'ite minority in Saudi Arabia is about 10-15 percent of the country's 27 million population. Weeks of protests by Shi'ites in the neighboring country of Bahrain have been source of inspiration for the demonstrating Saudis.

According to a senior Saudi prince, the loyal Saudis foiled plans by "evil people" to stage protests. Moreover, a religious ruling banning demonstrations and a heavy police crackdown in key cities, appeared to intimidate most who are interested in demanding more political rights.

Protesters have called for increased democracy in the country, which has been ruled by the Saud family since they united it by conquest almost 80 years ago. The royal family and the majority of the country's population are Sunni Muslims, and Shiite Muslims in the Eastern Province have urged an end to what they say are discriminatory government measures that prevent them from holding many public positions and that restrict their public services.

Sources:
Reuters - Saudi Prince Says Loyal Saudi Foil “Evil” Protests

Reuters - Witness - Searching for reforms in King Abdullah's Saudi Arabia

Voice of America - Saudi Protestors Demand Release of Prisoners

Washington Post - Saudi Arabia Calm on Planned ‘Day of Rage,’ but Protests Spark Violence Elsewhere