Saudi Arabia: Shia protester ‘shot dead’

16 Jan 12 | Index Index, minipost

One person has been killed and at least three others have been injured in clashes between security forces and Shia protesters in Saudi Arabia.

22 year-old Issam Mohammed died in al-Awamiya on Friday, after live ammunition was fired into the crowd by troops.  The troops began firing after protesters threw stones at them. Officials  also said a security vehicle was shot at and attacked with petrol bombs.

Meanwhile, a Saudi Arabian man has been arrested by the country’s religious police for allegedly using Facebook to arrange dates with other men. If charged with being gay, the man could face massive fines, flogging, jail or death.

Shiite publishers blacklisted at Bahrain book fair

11 Feb 10 | Index Index, Middle East and North Africa, minipost, Uncategorized

Twenty-five Lebanese Shiite publishing houses have been barred from exhibiting books during the annual fair in Manama on 17 March 2010. Al Wassat daily newspaper reports that although a black list has been issued by the Bahraini authorities, the publishing houses are yet to be officially notified. The Bahraini Ministry of Information denies responsibility for the ban and the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights suggest it may have been issued by  the National Security Apparatus.