Service :
05 October 2017 - 15:01
News ID: 432905
A
Rasa - Saudi Arabia has detained 46 people over their posts on social media amid a heavy-handed crackdown on dissent in the Arab kingdom.
The file photo shows Saudi policemen standing guard in the capital Riyadh.

RNA - The official Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday that 22 people were arrested for “inciting public opinion” on social media and other offenses, such as posting content and videos online.

 

The report said that investigations had been launched into the individuals' goals, adding that a Qatari citizen was among the detainees.

 

It also noted that another 24 people were arrested in the northwestern province of Ha'il for “exploiting social networking sites to promote lies and exaggerations” with the goal of provoking “sedition and tribal tensions.” 

 

Saudi Arabia has launched a severe crackdown on dissent over the past few years, detaining a large number of prominent clerics and activists.

 

The arrests also come amid speculation that King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud may abdicate in favor of his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

 

They also come just over a week after a gender-mixed celebration of Saudi national day in September which, according to analysts, was aimed at highlighting Riyadh’s social and economic reform push, dubbed "Vision 2030."

 

Women were also permitted access into a sports stadium, for the first time, to watch a concert.

 

847/940

Send comment
Please type in your comments in English.
The comments that contain insults or libel to individuals, ethnicities, or contradictions with the laws of the country and religious teachings will not be disclosed