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Saudi dissidents have formed an opposition party to challenge the monarchy. French news agency AFP reported that Saudi nationals deported to the United States and the United Kingdom announced on Wednesday the formation of a group called the National Assembly Party. Qatar-based Al Jazeera says this is the first organized political resistance in the country against the leadership of King Salman.
Al Jazeera reports that Saudi Arabia, as a state, has a perfect monarchy. There is no room for any kind of political opposition. Recently, the repression of dissidents has intensified. In such a context, the formation of an opposition party was announced on September 23, the anniversary of the founding of the monarchy.
Previously, attempts were also made to form opposition parties in 2008 and 2011. However, it was repressed using various forms of coercion, including arrests.
A statement issued by the party on Wednesday said: “We are announcing the formation of a political party called the National Assembly Party. Our goal is to establish a democratic system of government in Saudi Arabia.
A source close to the announced political party told AFP that Yahya Asiri, a prominent London-based human rights activist, was leading the party. Members include educator Madayi al-Rashid, researcher Saeed bin Nasser al-Ghamdi, Abdullah Alaud in exile in the United States, and Omar Abdul Aziz in Canada.
Al Jazeera reports that the announcement of the formation of a new political party does not mean the collapse of the powerful Saudi monarchy. However, the drop in oil prices, as well as the G20 summit, have clearly posed a challenge for the Saudi regime.
Asiri, the party’s general secretary, told AFP: “We have announced the formation of this party due to the urgency of defending the country at a critical moment.” Our goal is to institutionalize democracy and reflect the will of the people in government.
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