Crackdown Will Lead to Armed Struggle, Saudi Preacher Warns
Famous Saudi preacher Sheikh Salman Al-Awda warned against the ongoing crackdown on popular protests in Saudi Arabia.
Publishing an open letter online, he warned that if the clampdown continues and issues like imprisonment of the protesters and corruption are not resolved, the unrest may lead to an armed struggle.
He said Saudi people have demands and rights and will not remain silent forever over violation of their rights.
When one loses hope, anything can be expected from him, Al-Awda said, adding that if Saudi people’s anger grows further, nothing will satisfy them and things will get out of control.
“Security measures will only worsen the situation and prevent reform efforts from succeeding.”
He pointed to the issue of prisoners in the country, saying that any suspect is immediately sent to prison in Saudi Arabia, whereas anyone should be considered innocent until proven guilty.
Al-Awda also noted that setting pictures of Saudi authorities on fire by protesters is a symbolic measure that should be taken seriously.
Salman Al-Awda, who is a Quran and Sunnah scholar, spent a few years in prison in the 1990s for criticizing the country’s rulers.
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He said Saudi people have demands and rights and will not remain silent forever over violation of their rights.
When one loses hope, anything can be expected from him, Al-Awda said, adding that if Saudi people’s anger grows further, nothing will satisfy them and things will get out of control.
“Security measures will only worsen the situation and prevent reform efforts from succeeding.”
He pointed to the issue of prisoners in the country, saying that any suspect is immediately sent to prison in Saudi Arabia, whereas anyone should be considered innocent until proven guilty.
Al-Awda also noted that setting pictures of Saudi authorities on fire by protesters is a symbolic measure that should be taken seriously.
Salman Al-Awda, who is a Quran and Sunnah scholar, spent a few years in prison in the 1990s for criticizing the country’s rulers.
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