JNN 02 July 2011 : Saudi protesters have taken to the streets in the eastern city of Qatif in Saudi Arabia, demanding the release of political prisoners in the Arab country.

Despite tight security measures, the protesters held the anti-government demonstration following the Friday Prayers.

The protesters also condemned Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the crackdowns on anti-government protests in neighboring Bahrain, and urged the immediate withdrawal of Saudi troops from the tiny Persian Gulf sheikdom.

Protests are illegal in Saudi Arabia and political parties are banned.

Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province has been the scene of anti-government protests over the past months and authorities have arrested scores of people, including bloggers and writers, for taking part in anti-government demonstrations.

Saudi protesters in the east are calling for human rights reform, freedom of expression and the release of political prisoners some of whom held without trial for more than 16 years.

In March, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates deployed troops to Bahrain to help the Manama government crush the nationwide protests. Yet, the protests have only grown more popular.

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