Several protests held late Sept demanding release of political prisoners; police violently dispersed protesters, reportedly killing 3, around 60 arrested.

Authorities 4 Aug reported soldier, gunman killed during shoot out in Qatif. Govt 15 Aug urged nationals to leave Lebanon due to fears Syrian conflict is spilling over. Govt 26 Aug said terrorist plot foiled, 2 Saudis, 6 Yemenis arrested. Press late Aug announced King Abdullah on “special leave” in Morocco.

Heightened security in Eastern Province after killing of 2 during 8 July demonstrations sparked by detention, wounding of opposition Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr by govt forces; activists reported several demonstrators wounded, detained during 27 July clashes with security forces in Qatif.

Crown Prince Nayef died 16 June; 77-year-old Defence Minister Prince Salman named heir apparent.

King Abdullah 11 May sacked hard line advisor Sheikh al-Obeikan after criticising reforms easing restrictions on women.

Early-month saw protests by female students in Medina, Tabuk Universities against outdated educational system. Anti-govt protest in Qatif 6 April called for release of political prisoners. Court 17 April jailed co-founder of Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association Mohamad al-Bajadi for 4 years; authorities denied reports al-Bajadi on hunger strike since 11 March. Trial of 50 suspected of involvement in 2003 al-Muhaya compound bombing began 7 April in Riyadh.

Thousand-strong protest by women against discrimination, mismanagement at King Khalid University in Abha 7 March broken-up by security forces, religious police. 116 prisoners 8 March freed from al-Qassim jail following royal amnesty. 22 March police shootings in Awamiya reportedly targeted opposition activist Mohamed al-Zinadi, wanted by govt.

2 reportedly killed 9-10 Feb when security forces opened fire on Shiite protesters in Qatif demanding release of political prisoners, reforms, end of sectarian discrimination; authorities accused “foreign power” of fomenting violence in believed reference to Iran, vowed to respond with “iron fist”. FM Prince Saud al-Faisal 24 Feb backed arming of Syrian opposition (see Syria).

Security forces 12 Jan killed 1 Shiite, injured 3, in Awamiya, Eastern Province, while subduing protest calling for release of political prisoners, end of anti-Shiite discrimination. Killing provoked further protest 13 Jan; rights groups called for independent investigation. Trial began 7 Jan of 16 suspected al-Qaeda members accused of killing policeman, plotting attacks on officials and weapons facilities.

4 Shiite Muslims killed 20-21 Nov by “stray” police bullets during demonstrations in Eastern Province. Officials 13 Nov condemned Syrian regime after pro-Assad reporters attacked embassy in Damascus.