Saudi Arabia Detains Reformers

[Khephra]

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia detained several prominent reformers Tuesday in a move their supporters described as a major setback to democratic change in the conservative Muslim kingdom.

An Interior Ministry source, quoted by the official Saudi Press Agency, said the men were being questioned for issuing announcements "which do not serve national unity or the cohesion of society based on Islamic Sharia law."

Sources close to the detainees said eight liberal and moderate Islamists had been taken in by police.

They included signatories of a petition to Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Abdullah, urging that a timetable for political reforms be implemented in the Gulf state, which is under growing pressure to open up its absolute monarchy.

"This will make people lose trust in the government and their promises. It contradicts 100 percent what they have been promising," said one academic with ties among the detainees.

more............

http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=4581326

[JoeMemphis]

1. Our wonderful "allies"

a buncha heartless dictators.

sad thing that we have a President that continues to kiss up to these dictators.

[demdave]

2. The idea of democratic elections in S.A. is a dream unimaginable...

even 2 years ago. I don't know if it will happen but i can at least take hope in the fact that is has been mentioned and planned at the highest level. Will they follow through?? I am not laying down any money on that one.