Saudi prisoners begin hunger strike

A number of Saudi prisoners have begun a hunger strike protesting against their ill treatment by Saudi authorities.

The hunger strikers are calling for the release of all peaceful and democratic activists, as well as all prisoners who have been arbitrarily imprisoned over freedom of expression, the New Khalij reported yesterday.

In a statement leaked from prison, prisoner Abdullah Al-Hamid announced starting his hunger strike in protest against ill treatment by the Saudi authorities. He also said he is calling for his release, as well as the release of all activists and preachers detained in the country.

Later, the Prisoners of Conscience announced on Twitter that prisoner Mohammad Al-Qahtani had joined the hunger strike, stressing there are a number of other prisoners who have also joined and whose names will be announced soon.

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