Formation of first Saudi opposition party announced
SANAA, Sept. 24 (YPA) – Saudi politicians and academics opposed to the Saudi regime have announced formation of an opposition party ( the first anti-regime political organization in their country), in a first-of-its-kind escalation against the ruling family, which prohibits all forms of opposition and freedom of expression on its territory.
The first Saudi party, called the National Rally, includes a group of opponents of the regime in exile, and its policies, including its opposition to the devastating war launched on Yemen, its interventions and financing of wars in a number of countries in the region.
The move comes on the kingdom’s 90th anniversary, amid a growing crackdown on rights and freedoms, despite reform claims made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman MBS on the eve of his dismissal of his predecessor, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef.
The party is led by the London-based human rights activist Yahya Asiri, and among its academic members are Madawi Al-Rasheed, researcher Saeed bin Nasser Al-Ghamdi, Abdullah Al-Awda, who resides in the United States, and Omar bin Abdulaziz, who resides in Canada.
The first statement of the Saudi party, confirmed that the main goal of its establishment is to consolidate democracy in the system of government in Saudi Arabia
The statement denounced the increase in arrests, assassinations and aggressive policies against the countries of the region and enforced disappearance and pushing people to flee the country, the statement said.
Saudi Arabia is among the most repressive regimes in the world, exercising the death penalty against any opposition activities inside and outside its territory
Monarchy regime had executed 55 people in 2016, including children under the age of 18, for participating in popular protests against the regime.
In October 2018, Saudi security services assassinated opposition journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside its consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, for his political writings. The Saudi National Rally party’s quest for democracy in the kingdom is the overthrow of the Al Saud regime.
E.M