Saudi protesters hold portraits of political prisoners during an anti-regime demonstration in the Qatif region of Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. (File photo)

 

Reports say Saudi security forces are resorting to new tricks in order to destroy support for detained activists. In one tactic, the relatives of detained activists are summoned to post bail for their loved ones and arrested upon arrival.

The Saudi nationals have been voicing outrage at Riyadh's continued imprisonment of people without charge and the suppression of women's rights. The unemployed have been rallying for job opportunities and their share of the biggest Arab economy's oil income.

Since February 2011, Saudi protesters have been holding demonstrations on an almost regular basis in Eastern Province, demanding the release of all political prisoners, freedom of expression and assembly, and an end to widespread discrimination in the country.

However, the demonstrations have turned into protest rallies against the Al Saud regime, since November 2011, when Saudi security forces killed five protesters and injured many others in Eastern Province.

Saudi forces have also arrested more than 700 people including prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nemr al-Nemr.

According to Human Rights Watch, the Saudi regime “routinely represses expression critical of the government.”