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Saudi Shi'ite figure freed after 18 mth detention
22 Sep 2009 08:07:16 GMT
 Source: Reuters
DUBAI, Sept 22 (Reuters) - A Saudi Shi'ite leader of the Ismaili sect detained last year was released this week, a Saudi Shi'ite website and newspaper reported, in an apparent attempt to soothe tensions in a southern province.

Ahmed Turki al-Saab was detained in May 2008 after he suggested in a letter to the king there could be social unrest in Najran, which borders Yemen, if action was not taken over what Ismailis say it widespread discrimination.

The Ismailis, a majority in the area, have long complained of victimisation by the puritanical Wahhabi sect that dominates in Saudi Arabia, a Sunni Islamic state that is one of the world's biggest oil producers.

The Shi'ite website Rasid.com said al-Saab was released from Hayer prison near Riyadh. The daily al-Watan newspaper also reported his release.

Saab, who has been held before, led a delegation that met King Abdullah shortly before his arrest to complain about the governor of Najran, who was subsequently removed last November.

Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally, is an absolute monarchy with no political parties or elected parliament.

Najran was the scene of violent clashes in 2000, when hundreds of Ismailis clashed with police.

Saudi Arabia is concerned about instability in Yemen, backing the government against a rebellion by a Shi'ite sect in the north, separatists in the south and al Qaeda militants. (Editing by Jon Boyle)


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Last updated:Tue Sep 22 08:09:45 2009