Oppression by the Saudi regime
I think it has been well established that the regime in Saudi Arabia is one of the most repressive and brutal in the world today.
Here are reasons some of the reasons I believe this:
- The regime, led by Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, has been known to have children tortured, according to Amnesty International.
- And has been known to execute people after grossly unfair trials, according to Amnesty International.
- According to the BBC and Pressreader, the regime has been responsible for imposing ridiculously long sentences for ‘offences ‘ such as wearing western clothes, or expressing an opinion on social media.
- According to Washington Centre, The regime in Saudi Arabia imposes a guardianship system on women, which sees them treated as second-class citizens, with all the major decisions in their lives made by their male guardians.
- France 24 report that the Saudi regime is guilty of cruel and brutal discrimination against the LGBT community in Saudi Arabia.
Yet there has never been a popular uprising against the cruel and brutal regime of Mohamad Bin Salman.
Until now.
Saudi Masked Youth Movement
It was reported by Middle East Eye that a series of videos featuring masked individuals expressing dissatisfaction with the quality of life and the lack of basic freedoms, in Saudi Arabia and calling for the removal of de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had ignited an intense debate on social media towards the end of May.
It was noted that: “the videos, posted by young men whose faces and eyes are covered and voices often changed, draw attention to what they say are deteriorating living conditions and a lack of economic opportunity amid state spending on lavish entertainment events and megaprojects. They allege growing unrest within the kingdom and call for the overthrow of the crown prince”.
Middle East Eye reporting the news, said that it had not been able to independently verify the videos. They did say however, that the clips had been posted primarily on anonymous accounts on TikTok, and had been reshared across multiple social media platforms, sparking both condemnation and praise.
One user was said to have commented: “Today we witness a powerful movement led by the free youth of our nation, courageously raising their voices for legitimate rights: freedom & the right to determine our own fate,” said one user.
It was also reported that others had stated that “the videos were a result of growing domestic frustration, and said the masked figures were speaking for suppressed voices within the kingdom”.
Another user poignantly said: “In a land where voices are forbidden, the masked man emerges as an icon of rejection… The Saudi masked man is not an individual, but a moment of dignity… Behind the mask is another homeland yet to be born.”
Local Reaction In Newcastle
Colin Taylor of Newcastle Amnesty International’s Saudi Arabia sub-group made the following very interesting observations:
“This is really interesting – signs of a first mass youth movement within Saudi Arabia”
“The constant repression in Saudi Arabia is evidence of a regime that feels insecure”.
Colin went in to suggest that Mohammad Bin Salman jad three main fears:
- “ A counter coup by elements of the al-Saud family who were victims of the Ritz Carlton Hotel clampdown and extortion of funds to the PIF in 2017. This may be unlikely as any suspicious elements are presumably well-monitored.
- Fundamentalist religious backlash – hence the paranoia about Iran and the Shiite minority.
- And grass roots rebellion advocating a move to democracy, which seems to be the main thrust outlined in the Middle East Eye article.”
What Other Activists Think:
Paul Piercy
Newcastle-based human rights advocate and artist Paul Piercy said:“I cannot but fear for these brave young people who are using their voices for dignity and justice and truth. Those who rule in the Saudi kingdom brook no dissent.”.
John Hird
Meanwhile, John Hird from Newcastle United Fans Against Sportswashing commented as follows:
“The growing anti-regime youth movement in Saudi Arabia is an important development and if it grows bigger will have important repercussions for Newcastle United and on Tyneside.
“The brave Saudi #MaskedFreedomFighters are protesting online against brutal torture, whippings, knife attacks, & forced transfers, and for requesting basic rights like clean food and restrooms in prison. #MaskedFreedomFighters #الملثمون_الأحرار
“The ‘Masked Youth Movement’ also criticises the lack of freedom in Saudi Arabia, deteriorating living conditions, and limited economic opportunities amid state spending on lavish entertainment events and mega-projects. The group also calls for the fall of Mohammed bin Salman, whose right-hand man is the Chairman of Newcastle United.
“This is the first organised and public opposition voice from inside Saudi Arabia in a long time and reflects a rising wave of public discontent over political, economic, and social abuses, dignity, justice, and an end to authoritarian rule,
“They aim to restore dignity, stolen wealth, and to break the wall of fear that the regime has imposed on citizens for decades.
“The group sharply criticised MBS’s policies, from crushing dissent and imprisoning scholars and clerics, to imposing heavy taxes and mismanaging national resources in extravagant projects like NEOM, all while ordinary Saudis—especially the poor and marginalized—continue to suffer.
“The movement said it chose to appear “masked” because “speaking the truth has become a crime in the land of the Two Holy Mosques.” They accused the regime of allowing only those who praise the ruler and promote normalization with Israel and moral decay to show their faces publicly.
“The launch of “The Free Masked” represents a direct challenge to the authority of the regime, and could be the spark for a larger uprising inside the kingdom—especially if the movement gains broader grassroots support in a climate of political exclusion and suppression of expression.
“Saudi human rights advocates have told NUFCFAS many times that the Saudi people were not asked if they wanted to spend GBP 500 million on Newcastle United. As these protests show, Saudi young people would prefer the country’s wealth to be spent on providing jobs and better conditions for people in their country.
“During over three years of Saudi state ownership of NUFC, Newcastle City Council and North East politicians have been lukewarm in their support for human rights in Saudi Arabia and have refused to take up specific cases of human rights abuses and show solidarity. They have been hoping for investment for investment in the North East from the dictatorial regime.
“The emergence of this youth movement in Saudi Arabia is a confirmation of what NUFCFAS and other human rights advocates have been saying since the Saudi state takeover. Respect for human rights should have been the most important question to be considered when dealing with the club and that relying on one of the bloodiest and brutal dictatorships on the planet was a mistake both morally and politically”.
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