Islamic Awakening set off countdown for Al Saud fall: Iran MP

An Iranian lawmaker says the “countdown” for the collapse of the Saudi regime has started with the recent growth in prominence and popularity of the Islamic Awakening in this country.

“The wave of Islamic Awakening started in Saudi Arabia a long time ago, but over the past few days it has become more overt and evident,” Mohammad Bayatian, a member of the Majlis (parliament) Industries and Mines Committee, said Sunday, Fars News reported.

Bayatian said the tide of the Islamic Awakening, which began in Tunisia, has now spread across the Arab nations to countries like Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

“This trend marks the beginning of the end for the Al Saud regime and the establishment of a popular rule in Saudi Arabia,” he added.

Protests against the Riyadh regime have increased in number over the past few days in several towns despite the violent crackdown by the security forces.

Since February 2011, protesters have held demonstrations on an almost regular basis in Saudi Arabia, mainly in the Qatif region and Awamiyah in Eastern Province, calling for the release of all political prisoners, freedom of expression and assembly, and an end to widespread discrimination.

However, the demonstrations have turned into protests against the Al Saud regime, especially since November 2011, when Saudi security forces killed five protesters and injured many others in Eastern Province.

Similar demonstrations have also been held in Riyadh and the holy city of Medina over the past few weeks.

The Saudi Interior Ministry issued a statement on March 5, 2011, prohibiting “all forms of demonstrations, marches or protests, and calls for them.”

According to Human Rights Watch, the Saudi regime “routinely represses expression critical of the government.”