2011–2012 Saudi Arabian protests
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| 2011 Saudi Arabia protests | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Date | 21 January 2011 – Ongoing |
| Casualties | |
| Death(s) | 1 |
| Injuries | 0 |
2011 Saudi Arabian protests influenced by the 2010–2011 Middle East and North Africa protests took place in Saudi Arabia in early 2011. On 29 January, hundreds of people protested over poor infrastructure in Jeddah on following flooding[1][2] and an online campaign for major political and economic changes started. Forty women demonstrated on 5 February for the release of prisoners held without trial.[3] Plans were made for a "Day of Rage" on 11 March 2011, contributing to a rise in oil prices.[4]
Background
The politics of Saudi Arabia takes place in a framework of a particular form of absolute monarchy whereby the King of Saudi Arabia is both head of state and the head of government, but where decisions are to a large extent made on the basis of consultation among the senior princes, with the King functioning as primus inter pares and ultimate arbiter. The Basic Law adopted in 1992 declared that Saudi Arabia is a monarchy ruled by the male descendants of King Abd Al Aziz Al Saud, and that the Qur'an is the constitution of the country, which is governed on the basis of Islamic law (Shari'a). An unidentified 65-year-old man died on 21 January after setting himself on fire in the town of Samtah, Jizan. This was apparently the kingdom's first known case of self-immolation.[5][6]
Protests
29 January
On 29 January, hundreds of protesters gathered in the city of Jeddah in a rare display of criticism against the city's poor infrastructure after deadly floods swept through the city, killing eleven people.[1] Police stopped the demonstration about 15 minutes after it started. About 30 to 50 people were arrested.[2] On the same day, an online campaign started on Facebook, making demands that included calling for Saudi Arabia to become a constitutional monarchy, and for "an end to corruption, an even distribution of wealth, and a serious solution for unemployment".[3]
5 February
On 5 February, about 40 women wearing black clothes demonstrated in Riyadh, calling for the release of prisoners held without trial.[3]
10 February
On 10 February, a Thomson Reuters report claimed that 10 intellectuals, human rights activists and lawyers came together to create the Umma Islamic Party – considered to be the first political party in Saudi Arabia since the 1990s – to demand the end of absolute monarchy in the country.[7] On 18 February, all ten founding members of the party were arrested and ordered to withdraw demands for political reform in exchange for their release.[8]
23 February
On 23 February, Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah, after returning to the country following three months spent abroad for health treatment, announced a series of benefits for citizens amounting to $10.7 billion. These include funding to offset high inflation and to aid young unemployed people and Saudi citizens studying abroad, as well the writing off some loans. As part of the Saudi scheme, state employees will see their incomes increase by 15 per cent, and additional cash has also been made available for housing loans. No political reforms were announced as part of the package, though the 86-year-old monarch did pardon some prisoners indicted in financial crimes.[9]
11 March - "Day of Rage"
A "Day of Rage" is planned by Saudi Arabians on 11 March 2011.[4]
Arrests
About 30 to 50 people were arrested following the 29 January Jeddah demonstration.[2] On 18 February, the ten founding members of the Umma Islamic Party were arrested and ordered to withdraw demands for political reform in exchange for their release.[10]
Domestic political response
On 10 February, a Thomson Reuters report claimed that 10 intellectuals, human rights activists and lawyers came together to create the Umma Islamic Party – considered to be the first political party in Saudi Arabia since the 1990s – to demand the end of absolute monarchy in the country.[7] On February 18 however, all ten members of the party were arrested and ordered to withdraw demands for political reform in exchange for their release.[10]
International reactions
On 21 February, oil prices rose in response to the 2011 Libyan protests and speculation regarding the 11 March Saudi Arabian Day of Rage.[4]
Repercussion analysis
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See also
References
- ^ a b "Flood sparks rare action". Montreal Gazette. 29 January 2011. Retrieved 29 January 2011.
- ^ a b c "Dozens detained in Saudi over flood protests". The Peninsula (Qatar)/Thomson-Reuters. 2011-01-29. Archived from the original on 2011-01-31. Retrieved 2011-01-31.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c Laessing, Ulf (2011-02-05). Swiss Info/Thomson Reuters http://www.webcitation.org/5wYAoCCPC. Archived from the original on 2011-02-16. Retrieved 2011-02-16.
{{cite news}}: Missing or empty|title=(help); Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c Spencer, Richard (2011-02-21). "Libya: Muammar Gaddafi's regime on the brink of collapse". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 2011-02-22. Retrieved 2011-02-22.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Man dies after setting himself on fire in Saudi Arabia". BBC News. 23 January 2011. Retrieved 23 January 2011.
- ^ Mohideen Mifthah (22 January 2011). "Man dies in possible first self-immolation in Saudi". The Sunday Times, http://sundaytimes.lk/. Retrieved 23 January 2011.
{{cite web}}: External link in|publisher= - ^ a b Laessing, Ulf (2011-02-10). "Pro-reform Saudi activists launch political party". Thomson Reuters. Archived from the original on 2011-02-11. Retrieved 2011-02-11.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Post Store (2011-02-18). "Saudi authorites detain founders of new party". Washington Post. Archived from the original on 2011-02-22. Retrieved 2011-02-19.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Al-Jazeera English (23 February 2011). "Saudi king announces new benefits". Retrieved 23 February 2011.
- ^ a b Post Store (2011-02-18). "Saudi authorites detain founders of new party". Washington Post. Archived from the original on 2011-02-22. Retrieved 2011-02-19.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help)
