The Hypnotized Watch Online

Hundreds protest in Saudi Arabia via Facebook to knock


February 23, 2011 - 18:41

Photo: Reuters

source: http://eleconomista.com.mx/internacional/2011/02/23/cientos-apoyan-facebook -protest-arabia-Saudi
Dubai. Hundreds of people supported a campaign on Facebook that calls for a "day of rage" in Saudi Arabia next month to seek a governor elected in the polls, more freedom for women and the release of political prisoners.

Page calls a "revolution of longing" for March 11 in the Wahhabi kingdom, the largest oil exporter in the world that is ruled by an absolute monarchy. More than 460 people had shown their support to the call, but it was impossible to verify how many were in Saudi Arabia will materialize or if any protests.

Surveys in Arab countries, which have already toppled the presidents of Tunisia and Egypt have been sparked by young people who have used social networks, but some activists in Saudi Arabia told that a recent call from the Internet to hold a demonstration in Riyadh did not get anyone to take the streets.

Last month, a protest in Jeddah after floods in the second largest city was quickly dissolved.

Among the requests are "the leader and members of the Council (Advisory) of the Shura Council are elected by the people" and an independent judiciary, the release of political prisoners and the right of expression and meeting.

also ask a minimum salary of $ 2.700, greater job opportunities, the establishment of a body to eliminate corruption and the cancellation of "taxes and unreasonable rates."

Other demands are to reform the armed forces and the powerful and conservative Sunni clerics and the "abolition of all illegal restrictions on women."

Despite its oil wealth, Saudi Arabia has an unemployment rate that reached 10.5% in 2009. The authorities provide the 18 million Saudis social benefits, but are considered much less generous than those given other oil-producing Persian Gulf. EISS