Saudi demonstrators have taken to the streets of Qatif in Eastern Province to protest against the Riyadh regimes unjust imprisonment of political activists.During the Sunday rally, the demonstrators also called for the immediate release of the prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.
The imprisoned [activists] are not terrorists and Sheikh Nimr must be released were among the slogans shouted by the protesters.
Sheikh Nimr was arrested in 2012 on charges of anti-monarchy incitement. Supporters of the sheikh say Saudi authorities fabricated evidence against the cleric.
The protesters also slammed Riyadh for holding a large number of political prisoners in its jails.
They voiced their outrage at the recent killing of a group of people in the restive Eastern Province.
On Saturday, at least five people were killed by regime forces in the Shia-majority town of Awamia. Several people were also arrested by the regime.
There have been numerous demonstrations in Saudi Arabias oil-rich Eastern Province since 2011, with the protesters calling for political reform and an end to widespread discrimination. Several people have been killed and many others injured or arrested during the demonstrations.
Activists say there are over 30,000 political prisoners in Saudi Arabia.
The Al Saud government has come under fire from international human rights organizations for failing to address the rights situation in the monarchy. They say Riyadh has persistently implemented repressive policies that stifle freedom of expression, association, and assembly.
By Press TV
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