02 Jun 11 | Index Index, minipost
Two Shiite bloggers who were arrested for their coverage of peaceful demonstrations in Shia-majority area of Qatif have been released by Saudi security authorities. The two young men, Mustafa Badr Al-Mubarak and Sayyid Hussein Kadham Al-Hashem, were arrested on 27 April 2011 when security forces broke into their homes and confiscated their laptops. Their blogs contained extensive coverage of their involvement in human rights activism and several peaceful demonstrations. A new law passed in January 2011 requires anyone wishing to post material online to obtain a press license from Saudi authorities.
17 May 11 | Uncategorized
Last Friday, Index on Censorship editor Jo Glanville wrote here about the dubious adulation of Saudi Arabia at the Prague Bookfair:
The sponsor and guest of honour at the book fair this year is Saudi Arabia. Although there are a number of politically sensitive events taking place — such as a discussion on the Arab Spring and another on social change in Saudi culture — it is not enough to let anyone forget the Saudis dismal record on freedom of speech. The sponsorship of book fairs by authoritarian regimes is becoming a disturbing trend. China was guest of honour at the Frankfurt book fair in 2009, also highly controversial and to be repeated at the London book fair next year. Russia was the market focus country this year at the London book fair. (more…)
21 Apr 11 | Index Index, minipost
A Saudi Arabian writer and teacher has become the most prominent figure to be arrested in the country since protests started in February. Nadhir al-Majid was detained on April 17 in the Persian Gulf city of al-Khobar. Rights groups have urged Interior Minister Prince Nayef al-Saud to release him immediately. Over 160 dissidents have been arrested in the last two months.
11 Mar 11 | Index Index, minipost
Police in the eastern city of Qatif opened fire on protesters and beat them with batons at a protest on Thursday, resulting in at least three people being injured. The protest was held to demand the release of prisoners that demonstrators say are being held without charge. The Saudi interior ministry recently announced that all protests are illegal and security forces would use any measures to stop them from going ahead.
