POLICE IN SAUDI ARABIA have opened fire on protesters at rally in the eastern city of Qatif in an effort to quell escalating unrest in the kingdom

One witness who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity said that guns and stun grenades were fired at several hundred protesters in Qatif as they marched through the city today, calling for the release of political prisoners.

Government officials warned that they would take strong action if activists took to the streets following increasing calls for protests. Last weekend, the Saudi government banned protests and demonstrations, Al Jazeera reported.

Demonstrators pushing for democratic reform have called for a ‘day of rage’ tomorrow.

Ahman Al Omran reports in the Guardian today that reforms introduced by the government in response to criticism in recent years has been merely cosmetic. He says the Saudi people are “tired of the status quo” and want change, including a constitutional monarchy, elections and the protection of human rights.

A witness to the unrest in Qatif today said at least one person was injured.

- Includes reporting by the AP