Kingdom bans demonstrations

The Ministry of Interior headquarters in Riyadh.

By P.K. ABDUL GHAFOUR | ARAB NEWS

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia announced on Saturday that it would not allow any demonstrations or sit-in protests in the country that are aimed at undermining the Kingdom’s security and stability.

“Laws and regulations in the Kingdom totally prohibit all kinds of demonstrations, marches and sit-in protests as well as calling for them as they go against the principles of Shariah and Saudi customs and traditions,” the Interior Ministry said in a statement. The ministry said such demonstrations not only breach the Kingdom’s law and order but also encroach on the rights of others.

“They will also lead to spreading chaos and confusion in the country, causing bloodshed, breaching honor, pillaging wealth and destroying public and private properties,” the statement said.

The ministry said it had observed that some people wanted to circumvent the country’s rules and regulations to achieve their illegal objectives. It also referred to a statement issued two years ago banning all kinds of demonstrations.

A security spokesman, meanwhile, said the Saudi government has allowed all legitimate ways for people to express their views and interact with authorities to protect public interests. He said the security forces have been given the authority to adopt all precautionary measures to prevent those who want to undermine the country’s security and apply laws against them.

Sheikh Ali bin Abdul Rahman Al-Hudaifi, the imam of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, opposed demonstrations in the Kingdom. “There is no place for chaotic demonstrations in this country of monotheism because Shariah is the dominant force in this country,” he said while delivering his Juma sermon on Friday.

“There is a difference between the one who calls for monotheism and the one who calls for other ideologies; there is a difference between the one who works for the welfare of his people and the one who kills his people,” the imam explained. Speaking about anti-government protests in countries like Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, Al-Hudaifi said: “People revolted against leaders of those countries because they did not apply the teachings of Islam in their dealings with the public. Un-Islamic laws cause corruption rather than reform. It’s Shariah that reforms everything.”

The imam also emphasized the importance of security for the progress of any country.

“Security is essential for people to enjoy peaceful and prosperous lives, prevent bloodshed, protect wealth, promote trade and ensure the protection of rights,” the imam said. He also warned against people who try to open the doors of sedition.

Many Saudis have commended the government’s efforts to enhance the progress and prosperity of its people. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah recently announced a number of welfare programs worth SR110 billion, including a 15 percent pay hike for public employees and a substantial increase in social insurance benefits for the poor. He also ordered the release of prisoners held for petty crimes. Prices of consumer goods in the Kingdom are comparatively lower than neighboring countries.

Comments

EDDY

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Yes, Saudi Arabia is the best and the peaceful country in the World. We are very much safe here than our own countries. All citizens and expatriates must respect the law of this country. We have the best ruler in the World, who is taking good care of his citizens, even expatriates. Long Live King Abdullah and we wish him good health. We all love him. Thanks for reading my comments

MANADEY

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WOW. Shariah backs the ruler!! With God's might behing the government, no one will dare to protest!

ABUABDULLA

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fear does it all..LOL

FARRUKH

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People in other Arab countries stood against their leaders because they did not do ANYTHING for the welfare or well being of their citizens. Although I am an expatriate living and working in Saudi Arabia, I don't see any reason or logic for any kind of protest in Kingdom, which in turn can produce chaos. I think Saudi govt.'s decision is very appropriate and according to the Shariah. May Allah showers His blessing on this country, and gives its rulers to keep the country in peace.

MOINUDDIN KHAWAJA

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I agree with excelent policy and the statement of our Sheikh Ali bin Abdul Rahman Al-Hudaifi, the imam of the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, opposed demonstrations in the Kingdom. we cannot afford any violence in saudi arabia. Its the best peacefull country in the world. The very important thing is that due to our Holy places here and custodian of Makkah and Madina unawarah is taking care of his people and the people who want demonstration should be strickly dealt and no body should be allowed to create chaos and confusion in the country. My request to all people of Saudi Arabia to keep peace and support the present Govt. More over i request to the govt as well to take action against the corruption being increasing every where. Inshalah our country Saudi Arabia will remain peacefull Ameen.
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