Saudi Arabia

This is not the first incident of its kind as the authorities have for months been using excessive violence against protesters, says ANHRI.

In Riyadh, Buraida, and Qatif, security forces arrested those who were peacefully protesting the detention without trial of hundreds of people held for long periods in intelligence prisons.

Muhammad Al-Tunisi was dismissed after publishing a report about the use of a stimulant-containing plant in Jazan.

The team of “Mal3ob 3lena” is detained for airing an episode on poverty, while the trial of activist Waleed Aboul-Khair is ongoing.

In an effort to pressure their sons to turn themselves in to authorities, security forces detained Hassan Al Zayed and Said Abdul-Aal.

The charges against Walid Abu al-Khair include “communicating with foreign agencies” and “participating in media [programmes] to distort the country’s reputation”.

Observers believe the interference is linked to the posting of information on the mistreatment of foreign workers, including a video of a Saudi man beating an Asian worker.

Fahd al-Juhani was charged with defaming a local health inspector after reporting that the official had attempted to extort money from shopkeepers in Huta.

The proposal would create a “legal veneer” for unlawful practices and lumps peaceful political opposition together with violent acts, says the organisation.

According to Amnesty International, its website was blocked following its criticism of a draft anti-terror law that would stifle peaceful protest in the kingdom.

Dr Yusuf al-Ahmad was arrested on 8 July for posting a video message on YouTube in which he criticised the long-term detention of security suspects without charge or trial.

The “Al-Akhbar” site was blocked by Saudi authorities after it reported on demonstrations in Bahrain.

Germany is considering a deal to sell tanks to Saudi Arabia despite the latter’s dismal human rights record, including severe restrictions on freedom of expression.

The authorities blocked a blog by Omaima Al Najjar after she expressed support for a woman activist detained for driving and posting information on her experience on the Internet.

Fadhil Makki Al-Manasif’s arrest follows amendments to the Press and Publications Law that further restrict the right to free speech.

European Union, US leaders should publicly condemn human rights violations, Human Rights Watch said.