‘Saudi Forces Kill Two People in Dammam’

Date: 25 December 2019 - 22:07

News ID: ۷۴۳۳۸

DUBAI (Dispatches) – Saudi forces have killed two people in a residential neighborhood in the eastern city of Dammam, state television al-Ekhbariya reported.
Al-Ekhbariya TV claimed the two people were killed after exchanging fire with security forces, without giving further details.
Calm was restored to the residential neighborhood in Dammam after the operation, the broadcaster added.
Eastern Province has been the scene of peaceful demonstrations since February 2011. Protesters have been demanding reforms, freedom of expression, the release of political prisoners, and an end to economic and religious discrimination against the oil-rich region.
The protests have been met with a heavy-handed crackdown by the regime, with regime forces increasing security measures across the province.
Over the past years, Riyadh has also redefined its anti-terrorism laws to target activism.
In January 2016, Saudi authorities executed Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr, who was an outspoken critic of the Riyadh regime. Nimr had been arrested in Qatif, Eastern Province, in 2012.