Jeddah: Human Rights Watch on Wednesday has said that the authorities in Saudi Arabia were trying to silence social and political rights activists and repeal their calls for change.
In its new report, Human Rights has claimed that critics have been given travel bans, had their employment terminated, been subjected to smear campaigns, and detained and prosecuted.
The report further said that but they were continuing to voice their concerns, using social media to build networks and launch digital campaigns.
On Sunday, one activist was sentenced to four years in prison and 300 lashes.
Omar al-Saeed, a member of the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA), had called for a constitutional monarchy.
Despite such repression, activists were continuing to challenge the authorities, risking their freedom and livelihoods to push for genuine reform and respect for human rights, the report said.
They are using news websites, blogs and social media tools, such as Twitter and Facebook, to build relationships, discuss strategy and develop platforms to disseminate their reform message.
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