Saudi authorities arrest 10, summon dozens following chants in honor of Imam Ali

Saudi media outlets reported today, Wednesday, that the State Security Presidency has arrested more than 10 people and summoned others from the fan club of Al-Safa Club in the Shia city of Qatif, on the basis of chanting short poems honoring Imam Ali, peace be upon him, during a match.

The series of arrests come after the Saudi Ministry of Youth and Sports issued a decision described by activists as arbitrary, as it decided to dissolve the management of Al-Safa club due to the chants by the club’s fans on the birth anniversary of the Commander of the Faithful, peace be upon him, which the ministry considered a violation of regulations and incites sectarianism.

Media outlets added that “the security authorities summoned about (200 citizens) for questioning regarding the chants during Al-Safa club’s match last Friday.”

They quoted human rights activists as saying: “Such arbitrary measures confirm the state of oppression practiced against the followers of Ahlulbayt, peace be upon them, in the Kingdom.”