‘Army of One’ Attracts Gawkers

DAMMAM, 6 June 2006 — After being fired from his teaching job, a man here decided to take his issue to the streets, Al-Watan daily reported yesterday. The man stood in front of the Education Ministry holding a sign, which attracted a crowd of bystanders. Police came in to break up the crowd. Ministry officials said they have urged the man to solve his problems legally and through proper channels. It is illegal in Saudi Arabia for people to engage in protests, though the man was not detained because he was not part of a “mob” gathering.