Saudi forces kill Shia civilian in Awamiyah

Saudi forces have killed a Shia citizen after raiding his home in the country’s Eastern Province.

Saudi forces have killed a Shia citizen after raiding his home in the country’s Eastern Province.

Abdulrahim Ali al-Faraj was shot to death on Wednesday, after Saudi forces stormed his home, which he shared with his brother in the mostly Shia-populated town of Awamiyah, said a statement released by Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry.

The statement noted that the brother, Majid, escaped the raid.  

According to Saudi media reports, both brothers were wanted over accusations of attacking security forces.

People have been holding demonstrations in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province since February 2011, with protesters demanding reforms, freedom of expression, the release of political prisoners, and an end to widespread discrimination against the people of the oil-rich region.