The Saudi monarchy faces a challenge to the rise of the opposition

A group of Saudi dissidents has announced the formation of an opposition party in the country. Members of the group are in exile in various countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States.

This is the first organized political resistance during the reign of King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia.

On Wednesday (September 23), Qatar-based Al Jazeera reported that Saudi Arabia as a state is completely monarchical. There is no room for any kind of political opposition. The formation of the opposition party, the National Assembly Party, was announced on September 23, the anniversary of the founding of the monarchy, amid mounting repression of dissidents.

Previously, in 2008 and 2011, members of political parties were arrested and repressed for trying to form organized political parties.

“We are announcing the formation of a political party called the National Assembly Party,” the party said in a statement Wednesday. Our goal is to establish a democratic government in Saudi Arabia. ‘

Citing sources close to the party, AFP reported that Yahya Asiri, a prominent London-based human rights activist, was leading the party. Members include academician Madai al-Rashid, researcher Saeed bin Nasser al-Ghamdi, Abdullah Alaud from the United States and Omar Abdulaziz from Canada.

Asiri, a former Royal Saudi Air Force officer and secretary general of the new party, said: Our goal is to establish a democratic future and reflect the aspirations of the people in government. ‘

The statement read: “The announcement was made when opportunities for all forms of politics in Saudi Arabia were blocked. ‘

While the fall of the powerful Saudi monarchy has not been easy, it has become a challenge for the Saudi rulers.

Bangladesh Time: 1456 Hours, September 24, 2020
FM