Saudi Government Says Demonstrations, Marches Prohibited by Kingdom's Laws

Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry said that demonstrations, marches and sit-ins are “strictly” prohibited under the kingdom’s laws, the Saudi Press Agency said, citing an unidentified official at the Interior Ministry

Protests “contradict” Islam and the values of society, the Riyadh-based news service cited the official as saying. They harm public interest, infringe on the rights of others, spread “chaos” and lead to bloodshed, the official said.

Public demonstrations are usually prohibited in Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter and an absolute monarchy ruled by six kings since it was established in 1932. Websites have called for a nationwide “Day of Rage” on March 11 and March 20 in Saudi Arabia, according to Human Rights Watch.

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