Child Killed in Saudi Forces’ Attack in Qatif Region
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Saudi regime forces on Saturday launched a fresh attack on Shiite residents in the restive region of Qatif in the Eastern Province, shooting a child to death and injuring several others.
The security forces raided a neighborhood in the eastern city of al-Awamiyah, killing a Saudi child named Walid al-Ariz and wounding several others in the attack.
In an earlier attack in Qatif on Friday, the Al Saud forces killed Mustafa al-Madad, a Saudi youth, on political grounds, the Arabic-language al-Ahed news website reported.
The youth was on the wanted list of the Saudi government for participating in peaceful rallies in the Arab kingdom.
Since February 2011, the Shiite-dominated Eastern Province has been the scene of peaceful protests, mostly in the districts of Qatif and Awamiyah.
The demonstrators have been demanding reforms, freedom of expression and the release of political prisoners. They also want an end to economic and religious discrimination against the oil-rich district.
Several demonstrators have been killed and dozens of activists arrested since the beginning of protests in the region.
International human rights bodies, including Amnesty International, have criticized Saudi Arabia for widespread and systematic violations of human rights.
