Saudi police move to thwart protests

[muriel_volestrangler]

Saudi police blocked roads in the capital and the port city of Jeddah Thursday to thwart demonstrations for political reforms called by an exiled dissident group, witnesses said.

Police filmed passers-by near a mosque in Jeddah which was said to be a gathering point and scores of security vehicles moved into the city center, they said. Many plainclothes police were seen in the area, noting car number plates.

In Riyadh, about 50 police cars blocked roads leading to a mosque in the east of the capital. At least seven trucks with water cannons stood ready to move against any protesters.
<snip>
"This is the most exciting thing that's ever happened here. For every person who tried to demonstrate, there are thousands who would have joined them if there had been no police," said university student Mohammed al-Haribi from Jeddah.

http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/10/23/saudi.protests.reut/

There's a long way to go before freedom of speech there...

[FlemingsGhost]

1. True enough, but similar tactics are being used...

right here in the "Land of the Free."

Not even close to being as heavy-handed, but a "kinder and gentler" quashing of dissent is just as despicable.

[Petrodollar Warfare]

2. Hmmm, Saudi Arabia now has First Amendment Zones too?

..Well, they are becoming more like us. I love the Police State and would like to thank J. Edgar Ashcroft for his patriotism in protecting our Constitution, and making us more our "friends" over in Saudi Arabia..