Heavy armed Saudi Arabian police block protests in Riyad

Several hundred people protested in at least four locations in Shi’ite-dominated eastern Saudi Arabia yesterday, but hundreds of police in the country’s capital prevented rallies calling for democratic reforms.

Police blocked roads and set up random checkpoints in Riyadh, searching residents and vehicles around a central mosque as large numbers of people gathered for Friday prayers, after Saudi activists set up online groups calling for protests in the capital.

In the eastern city of Qatif and nearby areas where the country’s minority Shi’ites live, several hundred protesters shouted slogans calling for reforms and equality between Shi’ites and Sunnis.

Note EU-Digest: Even though this was a mini - rage protest, it certainly is remarkable that even in "the Arab citadel of sharia law and suppression of democratic and human rights" this was possible...and... this is only the beginning.

For more: Saudi Arabian police block protests in capital - The Boston Globe