Saudi authorities ban public criticism of Jeddah, Riyadh flood damage

RIYADH, Jan. 18 (YPA) – The Saudi authorities issued an implicit circular prohibiting any public criticism anyone who speaks about the destruction that floods caused in Jeddah and Riyadh as a result of the government shortcomings.

This came after videos and photos had circulated on social media platforms documenting the damage caused by heavy rains and floods to public and personal property.

The clips that were circulated over the past few days had showed the floods sweeping away cars and covering buildings in the streets of Jeddah and Riyadh, as well as shops and submerging streets and squares.

The Secretary-General of the National Assembly Party, Abdullah Alaoudh, stated that the Saudi authorities usually resorted to blackout and attempted to criminalize anyone who covers and publishes these events.

He pointed out that the aforementioned Saudi approach came instead of being frank with the people about the reality of the situation and disclosing the basic problem for working to address and to avoid what would be coming.

Alaoudh added that that the Saudi authorities should expos, uncover and address corruption, instead of resorting to monitoring anyone who exposes the corruption and its effects.

AA