Screencapture from one of the videos below.



Three men were arrested last week in Saudi Arabia for uploading videos in which they criticised the regime, addressing themselves directly to King Abdullah. Such actions are new in the kingdom and are starting to create copycats.

“I am a Saudi citizen and I make 1900 riyals [368 euros] a month...” This is how Mohamed Fahd al-Doussari starts his video, in which he directly addresses the king of Saudi Arabia to lament his difficult living conditions:

“For God’s sake, tell me, Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz [Editor’s Note: In Saudi Arabia, those addressing the king must say 'Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques', so calling him by his first name is considered disrespectful]: is such a salary enough to get married, to buy a car, or to pay rent? And you reproach people for going and blowing themselves up. Give us our share. How long must we beg for the oil money that you and your kids play with? Here is my identity" [he shows the camera his ID card].

The video quickly spread online via social networking sites . Two other Saudis followed his example and posted videos in which they said they wholly support Mohamed Fahd al-Doussari’s statements. They also call on Saudis to follow his example and post more videos “so that our voices will reach the king”. Both finish their videos by stating their full names and showing their identity cards.

Abdallah Mabrouk Ben Othman’s video.

Saoud Al-Harbri’s video: “I beg you, hear our voices. You speak with everyone, including Obama, but you won’t speak with us?”

The three men were arrested on Friday and Saturday of last week. Another Saudi national living abroad joined the movement by posting a much more virulent speech. Saudi commenters believe he dared to be this audacious because he is not at risk of being arrested.