Saudi protesters hold anti-government rally in Qatif

Saudi protesters have staged a fresh anti-government demonstration in the eastern city of Qatif despite a violent crackdown on protests in the oil-rich region. The demonstrators demanded freedom and urged the ruling Al Saud family to end the economic and religious discrimination against the eastern area. They also condemned suppression of protests, calling on Riyadh to stop attacking anti-government rallies. Saudi protesters also vowed to continue taking to the streets until their demands are met. Saudi Arabia's east has been the scene of mass anti-government protests since last year with demonstrators demanding justice and release of political prisoners. Protest rallies are mostly held in Qatif and Awamiyah but despite a violent crackdown on demonstrations, the protests are now spreading across the country. Protesters also want an end to economic and religious discrimination against the oil-rich region. Several demonstrators have been killed and dozens of activists have been arrested since the beginning of protests in the region. On February 23, protest rallies were held across the province to demand the prosecution of those who opened fire on demonstrators one week earlier. Saudi security forces broke up the rallies using force and arrested several demonstrators. Riyadh has intensified its crackdown on protesters since the beginning of 2012.