Interference in Bahrain internal issues and political repression against Saudis prompted citizens to rally against the regime of Riyadh.

Interference in Bahrain internal issues and political repression against Saudis prompted citizens to rally against the regime of Riyadh.

Expressing solidarity with protesters in Bahrain, Saudi demonstrators took to streets in the eastern province of Qatif calling for the immediate withdrawal of KSA troops from the neighboring country. They also chanted anti-government slogans.

Saudi Arabia's Qatif and other regions in the Eastern Province have been the scene of anti-government protests over the past months. Protesters have been demanding political reforms, the release of political prisoners, the freedom of expression and respect for human rights.

The fresh round of protests in Qatif has begun since Sunday when Saudi security forces arrested senior citizens, including a 60-year-old man, in a bid to force their sons to surrender to authorities.

Since then, hundreds of Saudis have been gathering outside the police headquarters in Qatif, demanding their immediate release. But security forces dispersed the crowd using force.

On Monday, Saudi security troops opened fire on hundreds of anti-government protesters in Awamiyah, in Qatif, injuring at least 27 activists, including three women. The Saudi Interior Ministry, however, claims that 14 people were injured in the attack.

Saudi activists said there were more than 30,000 political prisoners. They said that most of the detained were being held by the government without trials or legitimate charges.  Some of them were reported to be held without trial for more than 16 years.