Challenging the al-Saud dynasty

The Saud regime’s oppressive decree banning calls for reform, exposure of corruption or withdrawing allegiance from the king has had exactly the opposite effect. People are openly challenging the regime on YouTube and Facebook.

There is a limit to how much oppression people will tolerate. When they reach a critical point, they lose fear and stand up to challenge their oppressors regardless of the consequences. This is what is currently underway in the Arabian Peninsula (aka Saudi Arabia).

When the aging King Abdullah imposed a draconian decree (no. 44) banning calls for reforms in the kingdom or exposing corruption upon pain of prolonged imprisonment, the people’s reaction turned out to be exactly the opposite of what was anticipated. The regime thought people would be cowed into submission; they will not speak out against lack of representation, gross injustices, and massive clampdown on lawyers, academics and human rights activists demanding fundamental rights. Much to the chagrin of the regime, the decree has had exactly the opposite effect.

People have taken to posting videos on YouTube and messages on Facebook demanding fundamental rights. And they are not doing so anonymously. Instead, they are speaking out openly even displaying their identity cards to let everyone, especially the authorities, know who they are. Such postings have received millions of visitors and messages of support from within the Kingdom. This is definitely a new phenomenon, unheard of in the Kingdom where few people in the past wanted to confront the rulers so openly.

What has caused such open defiance of the House of Saud in the face of clear danger? It seems the latest decree proved to be the last straw; people have had enough of oppressive rules imposed on them by a family that has usurped the country’s wealth. It treats the country’s vast revenue from oil amounting to some $300 billion annually as a family fortune while ordinary people suffer economic, social and political deprivations. There is no judicial system to speak of; the whims of parochial judges pass for law. Often, the accused has no access to a defence lawyer. Even if one were permitted, the judges can do whatever they like. Most people are not even brought to court; they are simply thrown in jail after being arrested on the most flimsy of charges.