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    <title>LinkTV World News Video Feed</title>
    <link>http://news.linktv.org</link>
    <description>Link TV News Videos (Filtered by topics: Qatif)</description>
    <language>en-us</language>
    <pubDate>Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
    <copyright>Copyright 2011 Link Media, Inc.</copyright>
      <item>
        <title>Tens of thousands of Saudis mourn protestors killed in crackdown on opposition [Al-Alam, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100112?start=357</link>
        <description>Thousands of Saudis paid tribute to the three martyrs killed by regime forces' fire in al-Qatif, reports Al-Alam. At the same time, activist Isa al-Marzouq al-Nikhifi began a hunger strike to protest his detention without a trial date.</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100112</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-100112-3632.mp4" length="230649462" type="video/mp4" />
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        <media:keywords>Mitt Romney, AKP, Palestinians, Ankara, Jerusalem, Middle East, Iran, Republican Party (United States), United Nations, Human rights</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
Thousands of Saudis paid tribute to the three martyrs killed by regime forces' fire in al-Qatif, east of the kingdom. At the same time, activist Isa al-Marzouq al-Nikhifi began a hunger strike to protest his detention without a trial date.

Reporter, Female #2
The machine of oppression no longer frightens them. Tens of thousands of Saudis took to the streets of al-Qatif, east of the kingdom, to mourn the bodies of their three martyrs, who were killed by government fire during an invasion of the city last Wednesday. Their slogan was, &quot;What authorities fear.&quot;

Reporter, Female #2
People from all levels of society participated in the funeral procession. Among them were religious scholars and intellectuals. They chanted bold slogans against the regime, while demanding the release of thousands of prisoners of opinion, with Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr at the forefront. It was in retribution against those responsible for shedding the blood of martyrs, on what has become known as &quot;the bloody Wednesday massacre.&quot; The martyrs bodies' were returned to their families only after the families threatened to escalate their protest, and to announce a general strike, if the bodies weren't handed over. 

Reporter, Female #2
As the detention of over five thousand prisoners of opinion continues in Saudi Arabia, Saudi activist Isa al-Marzouq al-Nikhifi started a hunger strike protesting his detention without a trial date. It is a situation endured by most detainees. According to his lawyer, the accusation brought against his client is of tampering with state security. He pointed out that the accusation was brought against al-Nikhifi after he called online for a protest against the displacement of families near the Yemeni border, as well as to demand rights for the families of those detained, and for prisoners of opinion in Saudi Arabia.

Guest, Male #1 (Ahmad Mehran, Director of Center for Judicial Studies in Cairo)
Saudi Arabia is now denying the right to trial, denying a person a trial before a normal judiciary process based on the rule of law. If he had been convicted correctly, then he would be entitled to legal representation. Saudi Arabia is currently using a specific policy based on terror and intimidation, under the pretext of treason and foreign influence. It's also violating agreements that it was a signatory of. It's violating the United Nations treaty, which it had approved and recognized.

Reporter, Female #2
The oppression practiced by authorities in the kingdom is taking on a wider scope, and spilling over the kingdom's geographical borders. The latest is the condemnation by the organization Nonviolence International, of the aggression by regime forces on the families of those detained in al-Qassim Prison, which is in the city of Bureida, north of al-Qassim area. They were inhumanely attacked during a sit-in they held in front of the prison last week to visit their relatives.

Reporter, Female #2
The organization regarded the regime forces' aggression on the protestors, who were demanding the release of their jailed relatives, as unjustified. It demanded that the authorities release the detainees or put them on trial. The organization regarded their detention without a cause as an affront to human rights and other international treaties. It also called on Riyadh to allow international human rights organizations to visit the detainees inside the prisons.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Bahrainis stage massive marches on the 'Friday of Rage' [Al-Alam, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-092812?start=206</link>
        <description>Bahrain's revolutionaries called for a &quot;Friday of Rage&quot; in all parts of the country, Al-Alam reports. Meanwhile, released Bahraini journalist Ahmed Radhi revealed that prisoners had been tortured into confessing to acts they did not commit.</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 28 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-092812</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-092812-3618.mp4" length="230321603" type="video/mp4" />
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        <media:keywords>UN General Assembly, Israel, Syrian Civil War, Palestinians, Syria, Nuclear program of Iran, Benjamin Netanyahu, Iran, Kismayo, Bahrain Uprising</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
The revolutionaries of Bahrain called for a &quot;Friday of Rage&quot; in all parts of the country. Opposition groups called for demonstrations in the western part of the capital, al-Manama. Meanwhile, the released Bahraini journalist Ahmed Radhi revealed that prisoners had been tortured into confessing to acts they did not commit.

Reporter, Male #1
The day to commemorate martyr Issa al-Taweel was the day marked by the revolutionaries to come out for demonstrations in different areas of Bahrain, confirming that they will continue to walk the path of the martyrs until their legitimate demands are fulfilled.

Reporter, Male #1
The Day of the Martyr is a special day that revolutionaries are accustomed to holding for one of the revolution's martyrs every week. They give flower bouquets to the families of the martyrs, or as the revolutionaries call them, &quot;bouquets of vows and loyalty.&quot;

Guest, Male #2
We present to you the &quot;bouquet of vows and loyalty&quot; for our dear martyr, Hajj Issa al-Taweel.

Reporter, Male #1
The demonstrations and events were faced with a crackdown by the regime's forces, which waged a campaign in several areas to punish citizens who held events to express their opinions. They used bullets and poison gas, which filled residential areas.

Reporter, Male #1
The journalist who was released four days ago from the Bahraini regime's prisons, Ahmed Radhi, exposed the condition of prisoners and the ongoing torture within the Interior Ministry. He asserted that most of the confessions are fabricated, and that prisoners are forced to sign them. Otherwise, the torture continues, through electricity and other methods, until death.

Guest, Male #3 (Ahmed Radhi, Bahraini Journalist)
There are some prisoners in very critical health, who require urgent medical attention. Many youths have been subjected to physical and psychological torture, as well as sexual harassment. Thus far, they haven't found sufficient treatment.

Reporter, Male #1
As for the official regime, it returned to the song and dance of foreign intervention, making arbitrary accusations of interference in its country.

Guest, Male #4 (Khalid al-Khalifa, Bahraini Foreign Minister)
Bahrain is facing continuous intervention in its internal affairs. Recently, we have listened to threats and vows against the Gulf Cooperation Council that violate the principle of good neighborliness.

Reporter, Male #1
The Bahraini appeals court rejected the demand to release rights activist Nabeel Rajab on bail, as it has scheduled a session next Thursday for his trial. The lower court had ruled to imprison him for three years, on the charges of participating in a peaceful demonstration and calling for participation on social network sites. International rights organizations and Western governments condemned the arrest of Rajab, who works to document the violations of the ruling regime, and they demanded his immediate release.

Presenter, Female #1
Families in al-Qatif, in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia, announced a general mourning period today, Friday, and tomorrow, Saturday, for the lives of martyrs in the area. Protests continued against the Saudi regime's oppressive practices. A demonstration took place in the area condemning the massacre committed by the regime's forces. The families urged the continuation of the general mourning period, a strike, and the shutdown of stores, if they do not receive the bodies of the martyrs. The gunfire of Saudi regime forces had killed Khalid Abdelkarrim al-Labad and Mohamed Habib al-Manasif during a raid of dozens of homes in the Eastern Province town of al-Awamiyah last Wednesday.

Presenter, Female #1
On Wednesday, the Committee to Defend Human Rights in the Arab Peninsula condemned the Saudi regime's crime of killing civilians by gunfire, and warned of the consequences of transgressions against the free people of the Eastern Province. Meanwhile, the president of the committee, Sheikh Mohamed al-Hussein, asserted that remaining silent on the regime's practices is a major crime against religion and the country. He called on scholars and prominent figures to unite and take a courageous stance to reject the oppression, which does not exclude anyone. Sheikh al-Hussein urged international organizations to condemn al-Riyadh's practices against the people of the Eastern Province, who are calling for their legitimate rights.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi forces kill two during attempted arrest of fugitive [Al-Alam, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-092712?start=1150</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;The Sudans sign trade and security deal as border region remains in dispute, Israel's Netanyahu spells out &quot;red line&quot; for Iran in UN speech, Yemeni women &quot;worse off&quot; after uprising amid deepening food crisis, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-092712</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-092712-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-3598.mp4" length="230289907" type="video/mp4" />
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        <media:keywords>UN General Assembly, Syrian Civil War, Palestinians, Iran, Syria, Israel, Nuclear program of Iran, United Nations, Ramin Mehmanparast, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
The Coalition for Freedom and Justice in Saudi Arabia announced the martyrdom of Khaled Abdelkarim al-Labad, and 16-year-old Mohamed Habib al-Manasif, by the gunfire of regime forces, during a raid of dozens of homes in the Eastern Province town of al-Awamiyah. Angry demonstrators came out to demand an international investigation of the crimes committed by the regime. Tarfiya Prison, which is in the city of Breida in the northern part of al-Qassim Province, is witnessing a sit-in to demand the release of prisoners.

Guest, Male #1 (Khaled Abdelkarim al-Labad, Martyr)
The interior ministry said that I incite strife, and that I sought to damage private and public property. These are all lies. But I can tolerate this for the sake of al-Qatif's community.

Reporter, Male #2
He is the martyr Khaled al-Labad. He was on a list of 23 people wanted by the Saudi interior ministry, and was accused of participating in peaceful protests in Eastern Province. He was killed by the gunfire of the Saudi regime during a raid on his home in the town of al-Awamiyah.

Reporter, Male #2
The regime's forces did not stop there. They also deliberately opened indiscriminate fire, and shot 16-year-old Mohamed Habib al-Manasif, which led to his martyrdom. Others were also wounded, some critically. Additionally, neighboring homes were damaged.

Reporter, Male #2
The Islamic Solidarity group and the Coalition for Freedom and Justice condemned the attacks in the town of al-Awamiyah, and considered the massacre committed by the regime against its people a dangerous escalation. They held Riyadh accountable for every drop of blood spilled by the regime's forces, and demanded an investigation into every deliberate and systematic murder. They also demanded retribution from officials, assuring that the movement will continue until the people's demands are met.

Guest, Male #3
The state must know that their actions are certainly adding to our persistence, and do not reduce our determination. Our determination isn't going to decrease.

Reporter, Male #2
On the other hand, the Interior Ministry announced that two people were killed and two others were wounded by the regime forces' gunfire, during its attempts to raid a home to arrest a man in the town of al-Awamiyah in Qatif Province, which is witnessing demonstrations. A spokesman for the ministry justified the murder by claiming that the fugitive, al-Labad, and his companions started opening fire on security forces, so the forces responded by opening fire themselves. They killed the wanted man and one of his companions, and wounded two others who were present with him.

Reporter, Male #2
As soon as the news of the martyrdom of al-Labad and his friend al-Manasif broke out, angry demonstrators came out in different cities and other parts of Eastern Province, demanding an international investigation into the massacres committed by the regime against its unarmed people.

Reporter, Male #2
The rest of the area is also witnessing a state of popular mobilization, as a result of the authorities ignoring prisoners' families, who demand the release or trial of prisoners. Several peaceful demonstrations were witnessed. The most recent one was a sit-in in front of Tarifya Prison in the city of Breida, which is in the northern part of al-Qassim Province. It coincided with a crowded sit-in in front of the Saudi Human Rights Commission in the capital, Riyadh.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Thousands of Saudis demand retribution for slain activist [Al-Alam, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080812?start=1051</link>
        <description>In Saudi Arabia, thousands of Saudis held a funeral for martyr Hussain Yousef al-Qallaf, who was killed by regime forces on Friday while he was attending a celebration marking the middle of the holy month of Ramadan, reports Al-Alam.</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080812</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-080812-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-3064.mp4" length="230589757" type="video/mp4" />
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        <media:keywords>Syrian Civil War, Syria, United States, Israel, Egyptian Army, Battle of Aleppo, King Abdullah, Kunar Province, Sikh, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male #1
In Saudi Arabia, protests demanding political reforms and social justice are continuing. Thousands of Saudis held a funeral for martyr Hussain Yousef al-Qallaf, who was killed by the regime's forces on Friday while he was attending a celebration marking the middle of the holy month of Ramadan.

Reporter, Male #2
With chants demanding retribution from the murderers, thousands of citizens in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province took part in a funeral procession for martyr Hussain Yousef al-Qallaf. Al-Qallaf was killed by police on Friday as he attended a celebration marking the middle of the holy month of Ramadan.

Reporter, Male #2
Residents confirmed they will face the authorities' crackdown with courage, and with a united demand and front. They said they won't retreat, and that their determination will not be broken by steel and bullets, adding that they will continue their martyrs' path to demand justice in their country.

Reporter, Male #2
While attending the funeral of martyr al-Qallaf, the residents of al-Qatif and other Saudi cities insisted on establishing freedom and security in their country, despite the crackdown and the killings they are facing.

Reporter, Male #2
Participants in the martyr's funeral procession reiterated their support for religious scholars, notably imprisoned religious scholar Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr, and demanded that Saudi authorities release him immediately. The participants also demanded the Saudi authorities to release all prisoners the regime has been holding for years without a trial, or without any legal basis.

Reporter, Male #2
Observers say that Saudi Arabia will be an important stop on the path of the popular mobilization that was ignited in a number of Arab countries, and will lead to changes that will cause a deep impact on the entire region.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Fresh anti-regime protests held in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080612?start=1462</link>
        <description>Tunisian police violently disperse protestors holding &quot;night of anger,&quot; Mossad agents confess to killing nuclear scientists on Iranian TV, Egyptian army to take control of Sinai after deadly attack, and more.&lt;br /&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 06 Aug 2012 18:18:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080612</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-080612-world-news-from-the-middle-east-3048.mp4" length="230191486" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-8328000/8328321/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=eebcb846f8107811f543a7f0209356db" />
        <media:keywords>Israel Defense Forces, Israel, Egyptian Army, Ehud Barak, Egypt, Iran, United Nations, Avenue Habib Bourguiba, Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, Riad Hijab</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Anti-regime protests show no sign of abating in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. This time, protestors have come out on Tarut Island to condemn the recent killing of a teenager by Saudi police. They also expressed solidarity with Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, who was wounded and arrested by Saudi forces in Qatif last month.

Meanwhile, Saudi-backed Bahraini forces continued their crackdown on protests across Bahrain. Bahrainis in several villages and towns across the country, including areas near the capital Manama, have been attacked by police. Those detained by police include prominent activist Nabeel Rajab and Zainab and Abdulhadi Alkhawaja.

** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi protestors call for release of political prisoners [Al-Alam, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080312?start=805</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;UN General Assembly adopts Syria resolution as Western powers secretly support rebels, Bahraini forces injure 25 protestors marching for self-determination, Israel further tightens control over al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 03 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080312</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-080312-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-3040.mp4" length="230256068" type="video/mp4" />
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        <media:keywords>Syrian Civil War, Syria, Palestinians, Jerusalem, Israel, Bashar al-Assad, Obama administration foreign policy, UN Security Council, West Bank, Barack Obama</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male #1
Popular protests and actions are continuing in Saudi Arabia to pressure the regime to release political prisoners. And while six international rights organizations have announced their desire to observe the trials, leaked messages from prisons revealed that nearly 30,000 political prisoners are locked up in secret cells and prisons in the kingdom.

Reporter, Male #1
The popular protests in Saudi Arabia are not confined to the Eastern Province, whose residents are suffering from oppression and persecution. Here, in the al-Madinah al-Munawarah, demonstrations were held against the Saudi authorities to demand the release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience detained at the prisons of the Mabahith, or secret police. A demonstration in cars covered the streets of al-Madinah al-Munawarah. Protestors sounded their car horns and raised signs bearing the names of male and female prisoners, demanding their release. In response to the Riyadh authorities' ongoing arrest campaign of citizens and important figures in Saudi Arabia, mass protests were held under the banner, &quot;We are all the fighter Muhammad al-Shakhouri.&quot; Al-Shakhouri was arrested by the authorities after he was shot in al-Qatif in the eastern part of the country. Protestors also announced their solidarity with the Bahraini people's right to self-determination, and the demand for the Saudi occupation forces to leave Bahrain.

Reporter, Male #1
And alongside these demonstrations, residents of Safwa in the Eastern Province took to the street to demand the release of Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr, who was arrested last month. Protestors chanted slogans assuring that they will continue to protest until they attain justice, freedom, and democracy, as called for by Sheikh al-Nimr.

Reporter, Male #1
Following the Saudi authorities' arrest of four human rights defenders, six human international rights organization sent a joint letter calling on the Riyadh authorities to allow them to attend and observe the trials of these prisoners. The letter called on the Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council and the Saudi minister of justice to allow them to attend as monitors at the trials of Waleed Abul Khair, Abdallah al-Hamed, Mikhlif al-Shimmari, and Mohammed al-Qahtani. They stressed the importance of guaranteeing a public trial that allows the attendance of independent observers who have expertise in international standards of just trials so they can evaluate the integrity of the judicial process.

Reporter, Male #1
The letter also denounced the charges levied against the four prisoners, stemming from their public call over the years for greater respect of human rights in Saudi Arabia, including those of women, religious minorities, prisoners, and those calling for political reforms.

Reporter, Male #1
And while international organizations stood by the four detained human rights defenders, there are hundreds of Saudis who have been abandoned with no one defending them years after getting arrested. A letter posted online by the relatives of the detainees revealed the tragedy these prisoners are enduring because of their demand for freedom and justice. The letter confirmed that over 30,000 prisoners are crammed in Saudi prisons without a trial, and their fate is undetermined, confirming that they suffer from different types of torture.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi anti-regime protestors stage rallies in Qatif [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-073112?start=275</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Syria accuses armed rebels of committing crimes against civilians, eight killed as clashes erupt between Yemeni forces and Saleh's loyalists in Sanaa, Turkey grants Iraqi VP permanent residency, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 31 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-073112</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-073112-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2998.mp4" length="196534286" type="video/mp4" />
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        <media:keywords>Syrian Civil War, Free Syrian Army, Aleppo, Syrian army, Iraq, Israel, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, US-Pakistan relations, US-Egypt relations, Sanaa</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Demonstrators take to the streets in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province to call for the downfall of the al-Saud dynasty. Protestors also chanted slogans in solidarity with the Bahraini revolution. They are angry at the Saudi regime over its military intervention in the small Persian Gulf kingdom to crush the popular uprising there.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi forces fire live rounds at demonstrators in al-Qatif [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072712?start=34</link>
        <description>In Saudi Arabia, regime forces have fired live rounds at protestors in the town of Qatif in the oil-rich Eastern Province, reports Press TV. A number of people have been injured in the attack and many have been arrested.</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072712</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-072712-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2966.mp4" length="196306013" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-7925000/7925445/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=26089717844f48c731982baed55e7e41" />
        <media:keywords>West Bank, Ramadan, Palestinians, Israel, Muslim, Qatif, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Srinagar, Syrian Civil War, Al-Khader</media:keywords>
        <media:text>In Saudi Arabia, regime forces have fired live rounds at protestors in the town of Qatif in the oil-rich Eastern Province. A number of people have been injured in the attack and many have been arrested. Also on Thursday, thousands of protestors took to the streets of Qatif calling for the release of political prisoners, including Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, and the downfall of the US-backed monarchy.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province holds candlelight vigil for protests' martyrs [Al-Alam, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072012?start=579</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;International community remains silent on ethnic cleansing in Myanmar, Egypt's striking workers to occupy Mahalla factory until their demands are met, Protestors defy government ban on rallies with 25 marches across Bahrain, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072012</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-072012-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2916.mp4" length="196089263" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-7510000/7510487/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=c513480f31451e9f608c7fd13b19285f" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Burgas, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Hezbollah, Foreign relations of Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bulgaria, Muslim, Rohingya, El-Mahalla El-Kubra</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
The revolutionaries in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province have called for holding a large demonstration in the area of al-Qatif on al-Thawra or Revolution Street this evening, under the banner of &quot;al-Nimr has defeated the oppressor.&quot; Demonstrations were held in al-Awamiyah, al-Rabiah, Tarot, and al-Qatif, where protestors held a candlelight vigil expressing loyalty to the martyrs of the protests. Demonstrators chanted slogans demanding the release of political prisoners, most notably Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr. Protestors also demanded that officials who are responsible for murders be held accountable.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Bahraini activists rally in solidarity with Saudi anti-regime protestors [Al-Alam, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071712?start=241</link>
        <description>The February 14th Coalition in Bahrain called for holding demonstrations to express loyalty to the martyrs in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Al-Alam reports. They included a symbolic funeral for a man recently killed by the gunfire of Saudi security forces.</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071712</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-071712-2862.mp4" length="196277975" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-7270000/7270706/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=5ae99c440507127aab0826175e76f692" />
        <media:keywords>Addis Ababa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Mohamed Morsi, Syrian Civil War, Bahrain Uprising, Persian Gulf, African Union, Kadima, Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male #1
The February 14th Coalition in Bahrain called for holding demonstrations in all areas of the country to express loyalty to the martyrs of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, and to confirm their &quot;martyrdom until victory&quot; approach. The revolutionary youths organized this day to commemorate the martyrs, demand retribution for the killers, and as a day of solidarity with the family of martyr Jabir Ibrahim al-Alwiyat, who was killed after the revolution erupted on February 14th, 2011.

Reporter, Male #2
During a candlelight vigil to display loyalty to the martyrs of al-Qatif, the Bahraini people called for unity, citizens' rights, and raised slogans indicating they share the same pain as the Saudis, in reference to the role of the Saudi army in crushing protests in Bahrain.

Reporter, Male #2
The Bahraini demonstrations were held in dozens of cities and towns on a day called for by the revolutionary youths to stand in solidarity with the protestors in the Eastern Province. These calls were extended to holding a symbolic funeral procession for martyr Abdallah al-Ujani, who was killed by the gunfire of Saudi security forces in the area of al-Awamiyah a few days ago.

Reporter, Male #2
Bahraini regime forces responded to the demonstrations with pellet shotguns and poisonous tear gas. In the island of Sitra, homes were covered with poisonous gas smoke, after a demonstration calling for social justice had ended. As for Karzakan, it witnessed arrests and house raids. Citizens reported that their properties were subjected to looting and stealing after a demonstration calling for the downfall of the dictatorship was dispersed.

Reporter, Male #2
Under the banner &quot;The martyr's son is our son,&quot; the opposition organized a performance for the children of the martyrs which was attended by politicians and activists.

Guest Male #3 (Mohamed al-Masqati, Head of the Bahraini Youth Association for Human Rights)
I am here to tell you that we will punish everyone who committed a crime against our martyrs.

Reporter, Male #2
The Saudi occupation army is continuing to reinforce its military might in Bahrain. A military convoy was seen entering the bridge linking Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, and heading to one of the camps in the southern part of the country. Media sources confirmed that the occupation is redeploying its forces.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Bahrainis hold mock funeral for Saudi victims killed in Qatif [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071612?start=788</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Israel starts &quot;pilot&quot; prison visits from Gaza relatives for first time in seven years, Lavrov accuses West of blackmailing Russia over Syria, anti-NATO sentiment continues to grow in Pakistan, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 16 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071612</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-071612-2847.mp4" length="196470035" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-7217000/7217092/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=7e62cbde5bbecd888ef8d80ab587a353" />
        <media:keywords>Syrian Civil War, International Red Cross, Israel, Hillary Clinton, Syria, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, US-Israel relations, Human rights in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain Uprising, US-Pakistan relations</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Bahrainis are angry at the killing of a third activist in less than ten days in neighboring Saudi Arabia's Qatif. They have taken to the streets in a mock funeral procession, shouting anti-Saudi government slogans and condemned the killing of the activist.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Protests in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to demand release of Shia cleric [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071312?start=545</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Mass killing in Syrian town of Tremseh shocks international community, Sudan's opposition accuses al-Bashir's regime of torturing detained protesters, Jordanian demonstrators call for constitutional reforms ahead of elections, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 13 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071312</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-071312-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2833.mp4" length="196329252" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-7163000/7163485/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=c84d94712aab50be8ed7882b7a5e4e4b" />
        <media:keywords>Mogadishu, Somalia, Muslim Brotherhood, Saudi Arabia, Tremseh massacre, 2011-2012 Sudanese protests, 2011-2012 Jordanian Protests, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Gaza, Politics of Egypt</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Protestors in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, notably the city of Qatif, have hit the streets again, calling for the release of prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr from prison after he was arrested in a raid in which he was wounded. Demonstrators in Bahrain have also voiced their concern about the detained cleric; in the village of Daih, protestors took to the streets after Friday prayers.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Bahraini activists rally in solidarity with Saudi protestors [Al-Alam, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071112?start=169</link>
        <description>Bahrain's revolutionaries called for organizing marches across the country in solidarity with Saudi martyrs and Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, Al-Alam reports. The February 14 Coalition shut down over 60 vital roads in a campaign called the &quot;al-Nimr Operation.&quot;</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071112</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-071112-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2801.mp4" length="196133627" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-6969000/6969297/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=e9e8f25fd33fcbdc0bc719f769be8a86" />
        <media:keywords>2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Nimr al-Nimr, Al-Awamiyah, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, West Bank, Srebrenica massacre, Bahrain Uprising, Saada Governorate, Sanaa</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
Bahrain's revolutionaries called for organizing marches across the country in solidarity with Saudi martyrs and Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, who is detained by the authorities, under the banner &quot;From al-Qatif to Bahrain, we are one people, not two.&quot;

Reporter, Male #1
Bahrain's revolutionaries raised caskets of al-Qatif's martyrs during a symbolic funeral organized by the revolution's youth in the towns of al-Daih and Karzakan. Thousands of Bahrainis participated in the procession held in solidarity with their brothers in Saudi Arabia.

Reporter, Male #1
The assassination attempt and arrest of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr impacted the residents of the region, with Bahrainis erupting and taking to the street across the country's provinces. They chanted for the Saudi and Bahraini peoples' right to self-determination by choosing their representatives.

Reporter, Male #1
In the village of al-Duraz, mourning was announced for the martyrs of the Eastern Province, with commercial stores shutting down and turning lights off. The Saudi occupation-backed Bahraini forces did not approve of this show of solidarity, so they flooded residential areas with tear gas, and fired pellet bullets at demonstrators. The forces also raided homes and arrested their residents.

Reporter, Male #1
Bahrain's February 14 Coalition carried out a campaign called &quot;al-Nimr Operation,&quot; by unexpectedly shutting down over 60 vital roads. The most notable were roads leading to Safriya Palace, Bahrain's international airport, and the diplomatic areas.

Reporter, Male #1
In a statement by the coalition, activists confirmed the action was organized as part of the popular solidarity campaign with the Saudis in condemnation of the authorities' crackdown and systematic killings, and in loyalty to the imam of al-Awamiyah Mosque, Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi security forces surround Eastern Province to prevent protests [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071012?start=372</link>
        <description>Saudi Arabian forces have surrounded the Eastern Province city of Qatif to prevent the eruption of fresh protests, reports Press TV. Anger has been building up in the oil-rich eastern region following the arrest of prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 10 Jul 2012 17:26:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071012</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-071012-world-news-from-the-middle-east-2792.mp4" length="196491376" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-6924000/6924909/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=4089d7448d772636216e4705d4fb8a05" />
        <media:keywords>2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Nimr al-Nimr, Shia Islam, Saudi Arabia, Israel, US-Pakistan relations, 2011-2012 Sudanese protests, Syrian Civil War, Ehud Olmert, Palestinian prisoners in Israel</media:keywords>
        <media:text>A tense atmosphere in Qatif, as Saudi Arabian forces surround the city to prevent the eruption of fresh protests. Anger has been building up in the oil-rich eastern region following the arrest of a prominent Shia cleric. Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr was wounded in an attack on his car and taken away by Saudi forces two days ago, an incident which prompted people to take to the streets of Qatif and al-Awamiyah in protest. Saudi forces responded with live fire, killing three people, bringing the Qatif death toll to 10 since last year.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi Arabia's crackdown on protests in Qatif leaves two dead [BBC Arabic, UK]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-070912?start=35</link>
        <description>Press TV reports that two Saudi Shiites were killed after police opened fire on them in Qatif, which is inhabited by a Shiite majority. The clashes occurred after authorities arrested prominent Shiite religious scholar Nimr al-Nimr for inciting strife.</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 09 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-070912</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-070912-2782.mp4" length="196472731" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-6877000/6877558/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=b75f17055437f3f155a9ffbc07a454c2" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Syrian Civil War, Shia Islam, Syria, Nimr al-Nimr, South Sudan, Mahmoud Jibril, Islamic Action Society, Supreme Constitutional Court of Egypt, Golan Heights</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
Rights activists say that two Saudi Shiites were killed after police opened fire at them in Qatif, in the eastern province of the country that is inhabited by a Shiite majority. The clashes occurred after authorities arrested prominent Shiite religious scholar Nimr al-Nimr for inciting strife.

Reporter, Female #1
This is how nighttime demonstrations in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia, in Qatif, started, with chants condemning the authority's practices. But it ended differently. Activists say that Saudi police opened fire at protestors and killed two of them and wounded others.

Guest Male #1 (Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr)
Injustice is hated.

Reporter, Female #2
Protests were sparked when this man was arrested: Shiite religious scholar Nimr al-Nimr, the Imam of al-Awamiyah Town in Qatif. He is accused by Saudi authorities of inciting protests, but his supporters say he is only calling for freedom and justice. Authorities arrested him on Saturday after he sustained a gunshot wound at the hand of security forces. Saudi Arabia says it opened fire after the imam and his companion resisted the security forces, and opened fire first. But a source close to al-Nimr said that authorities ambushed him.

Guest, Male #2 (Mohamed al-Nimr, Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr's Brother)
There was no resistance; first of all, the Sheikh was alone in his car, and there was no one with him for there to be resistance. Second of all, of course he did not have any weapons on him, and he didn't have anything that resembled a weapon. What happened was security forces stormed his car and opened fire in the air, and they claim that it was in the air, but when we went to the crime scene, we saw blood.

Reporter, Female #2
Shiites accuse the Saudi authorities of marginalizing them, and they have a difficult time getting government jobs. Their areas are neglected, and their houses of worship are frequently shut down. But Saudi Arabia denies their claims, and accuses them of implementing foreign agendas and vowing to renew terrorism in Qatif, while they insist they are merely demanding their legitimate rights. Ola Makky, BBC.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudis hold anti-regime demonstration in Eastern Province [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-050912?start=472</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;South Sudan accuses Khartoum of cross-border shelling, Yemenis renew demand for restructuring army before dialogue, US officials confirm al-Qaeda underwear bomber was CIA informant, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-050912</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-050912-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2326.mp4" length="230519194" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-4173000/4173313/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=95aa499b915d73db16e561e7754ffab4" />
        <media:keywords>Yemeni al-Qaeda crackdown, Al-Qaeda, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Politics of Morocco, Yemen Uprising, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Islamic Human Rights Commission, Syrian Civil War</media:keywords>
        <media:text>It's been another day of protests in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province against longtime ruler al-Saud. It took place in Qatif following the beating of two women by regime forces. The demonstrators condemned the regime's brutality as well as the violation of privacy in their homes. They also called for an end to Riyadh's military intervention in neighboring Bahrain.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Anti-regime protests continue in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-041312?start=371</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Pakistan demands immediate end to US drone strikes, thousands of Egyptians rally against Mubarak-era candidates, opposition tests Syria's ceasefire with peaceful protests, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-041312</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-041312-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2095.mp4" length="230485042" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-3168000/3168453/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=1d275560b53fe080a2129eb452a05c6a" />
        <media:keywords>Friday prayers, Nuclear program of Iran, Pakistan, Iran, P5+1, Israel, Saif al-Islam, Drone attacks in Pakistan, Mohammed VI of Morocco, 2011-2012 Jordanian Protests</media:keywords>
        <media:text>In Bahrain, thousands of people took to the streets for a massive anti-regime rally outside the capital Manama. Demonstrators also demanded the release of thousands of political prisoners. The protest also honored eight journalists killed by Saudi-backed forces about a week ago.

The International Automobile Federation says that the Bahrain Grand Prix will go ahead as scheduled on April 22 despite the deadly Saudi-backed crackdown against the opposition, ignoring calls from human rights groups to for its cancellation.

In Saudi Arabia, protestors have staged rallies in the oil-rich Eastern Province. Demonstrators in the main eastern city of Qatif, along with several nearby towns and villages, called for the release of prisoners. Activists have said that there are over 30,000 prisoners behind bars. Demonstrators also showed solidarity with neighboring Bahrain.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudis, Yemenis stage fresh anti-regime protests [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-040612?start=1171</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Thousands rally behind dying &quot;godfather of human rights&quot; in Bahrain, Israel seals off West Bank and Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, Mali's Tuareg rebels declare independence in the north, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-040612</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-040612-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2042.mp4" length="230504624" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-2881000/2881511/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=1d28df703f9a256a648d72ff7942ab0f" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Passover, West Bank, Palestinians, Eilat, Turkey, Jerusalem, Abdulhadi Alkhawaja, Azaouad, Syrian Civil War</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Saudi Arabian anti-regime rallies are being held in the oil-rich Eastern Province, including the towns of Qatif and Awamiyah. The protestors demanded the release of thousands of political prisoners behind bars across the country. Activists say there are over 30,000 prisoners detained for wanting reforms.

People in Yemen have held fresh rallies demanding the trial of the deposed ruler Ali Abdullah Saleh and his aides; they also want them to leave power.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudis stage anti-regime protests in Qatif region [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-040512?start=1101</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Libya announces truce to end deadly tribal clashes, ICC's Israel war crimes probe halted, pending UN decision, Egyptian Brotherhood presidential candidate says implementing sharia is &quot;main goal,&quot; and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-040512</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-040512-2028.mp4" length="230463523" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-2759000/2759196/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=00810ff5f1028bb25f9e8cc83314770e" />
        <media:keywords>Gaza, Israel, Palestinians, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Human rights in Saudi Arabia, Benjamin Netanyahu, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israeli-occupied territories</media:keywords>
        <media:text>In Saudi Arabia, protestors have once again taken to the streets calling for the release of a prominent human rights activist. Protestors have rallied in and around Qatif calling for the release of Fadel al-Monassef. Protestors in the Eastern Province have been calling for basic human rights, an end to sectarian discrimination, and the release of political prisoners for over a year.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi protests in solidarity with Abha students spread to Riyadh [Al-Alam, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-031912?start=677</link>
        <description>Protestors rallied in the Saudi capital Riyadh to condemn the repression female students were subjected to at King Khalid University in Abha by the school's security members with the support of regime forces, reports Al-Alam.</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-031912</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-031912-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1901.mp4" length="230727190" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-2020000/2020173/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=581f008fa5666101138e75d117b46a00" />
        <media:keywords>Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Israel, United Nations, Palestinians, Gaza–Israel conflict, Gaza, Syria, 2003 invasion of Iraq, Bahrain Uprising, Jews</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1   
Protestors rallied in the Saudi capital al-Riyadh to condemn the repression female students were subjected to at King Khalid University in Abha by the school's security members with the support of regime forces. The demonstrators demanded that Saudi authorities open a full investigation into the repression and punish the killers. Meanwhile, the Committee to Protect Journalists in the Middle East and North Africa called on the Saudi authorities to immediately release three administrators of websites that reported on the political movement in the country's Eastern Province.

Reporter, Male #1
Protests in Saudi Arabia are escalating within the framework of student demonstrations that were launched nearly two weeks ago to denounce violence that left one female student dead and dozens injured at Abha University. In the capital Riyadh, hundreds of protestors held a demonstration to condemn the crackdown on female students at King Khalid University in Abha by the university's security members with the support of regime forces.

Reporter, Male #1
Participants in the demonstration chanted slogans denouncing the crime committed by the regime's security members, and demanded Saudi authorities open a full investigation to look into the cause of the crackdown and punish the killers. The protestors also expressed their complete solidarity with the university students' legitimate demand for freedom of speech. In light of the escalating pace of protests and sit-ins witnessed in various parts of the region, Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz issued a decree ordering the formation of a crisis committee to monitor the developments of the case. He demanded that relevant institutions act immediately to halt the protests at any price, to offer students enticements to stop demonstrating, and to work on preventing protests from spreading the way they have in the Eastern Province.

Reporter, Male #1
And in light of the arrest campaign carried out by Saudi authorities against protestors, the Committee to Protect Journalists in the Middle East called on the Saudi regime to immediately release three administrators of websites that covered the protests in the country's Eastern Province, which faces severe restrictions. The committee accused Saudi authorities of banning journalists from entering the Eastern Province to cover protests demanding political reforms. The committee pointed to the arrest of photographer Habib Ali al-Maatiq, who oversees the news section of al-Fajr al-Thaqafiya website, or the Cultural Dawn. It also points to the arrests of photographer Hussain Malik al-Salem and al-Qatif resident Sheikh Jalal Mohammed al-Jamal who was transferred to an unknown site.

Reporter, Male #1
As for the Arab Network for Human Rights Information, it condemned the methods of repression and the arrests in Saudi Arabia, confirming they are now systematic and are being used against anyone the Saudi authorities believe disagrees with the government's tyranny. The kingdom is encouraged by the blatant complicity of the international community that seems accustomed to turning a blind eye to the Saudi government's abundant violations against those who criticize it.

Reporter, Male #1
And amid the theft of the citizens' lands and properties by Saudi princes, these images posted online show clashes between the Imara tribe and security forces in al-Qarn after a Saudi prince attempted to seize their land and expel them from it. They had no choice but to defend themselves. Political observers believe the Saudi authorities' use of systematic repression will not prevent the ignited protests from spreading to more cities after having taken place in various Saudi communities in a wide-ranging number of areas.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi student dissent in Abha spreads around the Kingdom [Al-Alam, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-031412?start=761</link>
        <description>The wave of indignation voiced by female student protestors at King Khalid University in Abha has spread to six Saudi cities, Al-Alam reports. Meanwhile, the Saudi National Guard Chief said that what happened in Abha was instigated by foreign groups.</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-031412</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-031412-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1857.mp4" length="230283946" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-1810000/1810237/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=d60f324459a1387a74bb8b6a0f492b04" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Iran, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Afghanistan, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, Ceasefire, Panjwai shooting spree, Gaza, Iron Dome, Israeli Air Force</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information said the wave of indignation voiced by female student protestors at the King Khalid University has spread to six Saudi cities. Meanwhile, Saudi National Guard Chief Prince Mitaeb bin Abdullah bin Abed al-Aziz said that what happened in Abha is a &quot;foreign phenomenon,&quot; instigated by certain foreign groups.

Reporter, Male #1
Here, at Abha University in the Saudi region of al-Qasim, a female student rally was held last Wednesday. The female students called for better educational and hygienic conditions at their university. However, security forces violently responded to their demands, killing one protestor and injuring dozens. This sparked a wave of indignation among university students. To the surprise of the Saudi regime, the student protests quickly spread from Abha to other regions across the Kingdom.

Reporter, Male #1
The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information said that student protests at King Khalid University have spread to the cities of Riyadh, al-Namas, Arar, Qatif, al-Rabi'yah, and Medina, in an unprecedented mobilization. The organization said that a student was expelled from Tiba University in the city of Medina after publicly criticizing the deteriorating conditions at the university, in what appeared to be a systematic treatment of students in most Saudi universities. The organization added that the Saudi authority's crackdown on its citizens will not lead to positive results. It further said that dialogue, and not violence and a crackdown, is the answer to this social mobilization. The organization also demanded that Saudi authorities learn the lesson of the popular Arab uprisings in the region. It added that demands for justice and honor in Saudi Arabia must be met with a change of policies based on the principles of freedom and human rights.

Guest, Male #2 (Adel al-Jujari, Saudi Affairs Expert)
A political mobilization is sweeping Qatif in the east, Abha in the west, and passing through the center of the capital. Many Saudi cultural and social classes are calling on citizens to break the cycle of silence and fear in the kingdom, which still adopts an old system of rule. This is the beginning of a new phase. Many citizens started to come out in full force in a bid to promote political awareness and reject this type of ruling system.

Reporter, Male #1
However, Saudi National Guard Chief Prince Mitaeb bin Abdullah bin Abed al-Aziz described demands for human rights in the kingdom as &quot;illegitimate.&quot; Mitaeb said that what happened at Abha University is &quot;a foreign phenomenon,&quot; and accused certain unnamed foreign groups of seeking to shake security and stability in the kingdom. He added that protests in certain countries of the region require authorities in the kingdom to exercise caution and fight what he described as &quot;malicious actions&quot; aimed at destabilizing the country.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi protestors stage fresh rallies in Eastern Province [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-030912?start=351</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Bahrainis hold mass anti-regime march as Iraq rallies in solidarity, Syrian opposition displays loyalty to Kurds while Assad loyalists gather in Damascus, US agrees to hand over Bagram prison to Afghans, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 09 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-030912</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-030912-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1817.mp4" length="230654027" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-1691000/1691257/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=d2bea415ec6d4d5c160b6f96f81ed239" />
        <media:keywords>Bahrain, Syrian Civil War, Bahrain Uprising, Bashar al-Assad, Syria, Israel, Saudi Arabia, United States, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Kurds in Syria</media:keywords>
        <media:text>In Saudi Arabia, protests have erupted in the oil-rich Eastern Province. Demonstrators in the town of Rabi'ah near the main Qatif city have taken to the streets shouting slogans against the government. They were also out to show solidarity with the ongoing revolution in neighboring Bahrain.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudis take to the streets on the Friday of 'challenging the oppressors' [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-030212?start=1118</link>
        <description>Protestors in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province have held fresh rallies against the regime, reports Press TV. The rallies were held in the towns of Rabi'iyah and Qatif on Friday, dubbed &quot;the day of challenging the oppressors.&quot;</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-030212</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-030212-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1764.mp4" length="230072733" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-1425000/1425586/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=a89e0e085b00aa59e9b5858c860fee75" />
        <media:keywords>United States, Syrian Civil War, Anti-Americanism, Iran, Syria, Washington, D.C., Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syrian people, Iranian legislative election, 2012</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male #1
Protestors in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province have held fresh rallies against the regime. The rallies were held in the towns of Rabiyyah and Qatif on Friday, dubbed &quot;the day of challenging the oppressors.&quot; The protestors expressed solidarity with victims of the regime's crackdown. Anti-regime rallies continue in the Easter Province despite a tough security response. Saudi troops have arrested at least 25 demonstrators over the past week. The protests have escalated, demanding justice and the release of political prisoners. The campaign began nearly a year ago and intensified in November after regime troops killed several protestors.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi regime forces arrest protestors in Awamiyah [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022312?start=530</link>
        <description>Press TV reports that Saudi activists have released new footage showing government forces firing live rounds at an anti-government protest that took place two days ago, in which a photographer was shot dead by Saudi troops.</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022312</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-022312-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1692.mp4" length="229878588" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-1067000/1067145/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=f28b135842d1f42318d21d9b32b9acc3" />
        <media:keywords>United States, Baghdad, Somali Civil War, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Bagram Airfield, US-Afghanistan relations, Syrian Civil War, Israeli settlement, Yemen Uprising, Hosni Mubarak</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male #1
In other news, Saudi activists have released new footage showing government forces firing live rounds at anti-government protestors in the oil-rich Eastern Province. This video shows a protest that took place two days ago, in which a photographer was shot dead by Saudi troops. The incident caused outrage amongst Saudis living in the east. Several protests have been held since. Meanwhile, people have taken to the streets in several eastern towns and villages, including Qatif and Awamiyah, demanding their rights be upheld. The protestors also called for the prosecution of those who opened fire on demonstrators a week ago. They also expressed solidarity with the revolution in neighboring Bahrain. Several people have been arrested in the town of Awamiyah. Officials in Riyadh have recently promised a crackdown on any dissent in the region, but activists say despite the threats from Riyadh, they will continue their movements. Security forces have killed several protestors since November of last year.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Anti-regime protests rage in Saudi Arabia, Yemen [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-021512?start=1265</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Iran unveils its advances in uranium enrichment, Jordanian teachers on strike take to the street for better pay, survey suggests less than a third of Libyans want democracy, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-021512</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-021512-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1633.mp4" length="229466308" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-783000/783009/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=33a3c73af85493c55a58ba5f5e2ee2c6" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Iran, Strike, Tehran, Iran-Israel relations, Nuclear facilities in Iran, Politics of Israel, Amman, Demographics of Libya, Syrian Civil War</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male #1
The Saudi Arabia anti-regime protestors have held fresh rallies in the Eastern Province. They took to the streets in the city of Qatif demanding the release of rights activists. They also called on international human rights organizations to condemn human rights violations in the kingdom. Saudis have been holding demonstrations on an almost daily basis, defying the ban on protest rallies. They want political reforms and an end to the centuries-old al-Saud dynasty. The protestors are also angry at economic and religious discrimination in the kingdom. Several demonstrators have been killed and dozens of activists arrested since February 2011.

Presenter, Male #1
Yemenis in the city of Taiz have once again staged mass rallies calling for the prosecution of outgoing ruler Ali Abdullah Saleh. They condemned the legal immunity granted to Saleh. They want the longtime ruler to be tried for the killing of anti-regime protestors. Saleh has stepped down in return for immunity from prosecution under an Arab-mediated deal. His forces are accused of killing some 2,000 people since the start of the revolution last year. Saleh is in the US allegedly to receive medical treatment. He says he will return to Yemen to vote for the national consensus presidential candidate Abed Rabbu Mansour Hadi.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi forces attack mourners in Qatif and Awamiyah [Al-Alam, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-021412?start=932</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Bahrain blocks return to Martyrs' Square on revolt anniversary, tension high as South Sudan accuses Sudan of air attack, Gaza's sole power station closes after running out of fuel, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-021412</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-021412-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1624.mp4" length="230613939" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-744000/744901/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=249a6527b875f958b6da7d2b8d05a8a7" />
        <media:keywords>Bahrain Uprising, Palestinians, Manama, Pearl Roundabout, Bahrain, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Gaza, Yemen Uprising, Syrian Civil War</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male # 1 
Large Saudi crowds held a funeral for martyrs Munir al-Medani and Zubair Abdullah al-Said in al-Awamiyah. They were both killed by the gunfire of the Saudi regime's forces. The regime intensified its security and military deployment near the funeral site amid a tense atmosphere, the result of the regime's repressive and discriminatory practices.
 
Reporter, Male # 2
With these chants calling for justice and rejecting oppression and killings, large crowds gathered in al-Awamiyah and al-Qatif to hold a funeral for martyrs Munir al-Medani and Zubair Abdullah al-Said. Both were killed by the gunfire of the Saudi regime's forces during peaceful marches demanding constitutional reforms and condemning the state's violence, and the discrimination it practices against many segments of the population.

Reporter, Male # 2
The authority that kills peaceful protesters confiscated the bodies of the martyrs, and refused to release them to their families without any justification. This led to a rise in the tension and protests. A large march was launched from al-Awamiyah for martyr Munir al-Medani. Mourners repeated chants confirming they will continue the martyrs' approach until attaining their legitimate demands for which these protesters died. The participants condemned the killings and discrimination carried out by the regime. 

Reporter, Male # 2
In martyr Zubair Abdullah al-Said's funeral, large crowds from al-Awamiyah took to the street. They chanted slogans confirming their quest for their legitimate demands. Mourners stressed that killings will not prevent them from continuing the journey despite the sacrifices. They criticized the silence of the international community and the organizations that pretend to protect human rights since they face blatant violation of human rights in Saudi Arabia. In neighboring al-Qatif, another large march was held to honor the souls of the martyrs, who perished on the road to freedom and reforms. Protesters stressed on the need to hold the killers and the regime accountable.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi troops attack Awamiyah protest, killing one and injuring two [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-021012?start=971</link>
        <description>Saudi forces have killed another demonstrator and injured two others in the city of Awamiyah in Eastern Province, Press TV reports. They also injured 14 people during Thursday's protests in the province demanding an end to the al-Saud regime.</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-021012</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-021012-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1592.mp4" length="230506997" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-672000/672564/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=7ab5e79e4ab4cca073cea2a3bd29c3d6" />
        <media:keywords>Palestinians, Israel, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, Aleppo, Syrian Civil War, Egyptian Parliamentary Election 2011-2012, Yemen Uprising, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Bahrain Uprising, Israeli–Palestinian conflict</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
The crackdown on anti-regime protests continues in Saudi Arabia. Government forces have killed another demonstrator and injured two others in the city of Awamiyah in Eastern Province. The killed protestor has been identified as Zuheid Abdullah al-Said. The protestors have taken to the streets across the province, including in the city of Qatif, to condemn the killing of a demonstrator by regime forces in the city on Thursday. The Friday prayers leader in Awamiyah demanded an end to the al-Saud rule. The government forces also injured 14 people during Thursday's protests in the province. The region has been the focal point of demonstrations against the Riyadh regime over the past year. Authorities have strictly banned any anti-government gatherings across the kingdom. International organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have frequently condemned what they called Riyadh's gross violations of human rights.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi crackdown kills one, injures 14 [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-020912?start=413</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Bahraini pro-democracy activists prepare for uprising anniversary, Amnesty International calls for trial of Indian troops in Kashmir, Hamas divided over Abbas-led unity government, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-020912</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-020912-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1585.mp4" length="230217116" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-576000/576121/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=4167e253c1789a6c499e36ea0657f682" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Nuclear program of Iran, Iran, Protest, Iran-Israel relations, Civilian casualties, Military strike, Anniversary, Bahrain, Mahmoud Abbas</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Saudi regime forces have opened fire on anti-government demonstrators in the kingdom's Eastern Province, killing one person and wounding at least 14 others. The incident occurred in the city of Qatif on Thursday, when Saudi forces used live rounds to disperse peaceful protestors. Several of those injured in the deadly crackdown are in critical condition. Activists said the situation is tense in the city of Qatif and the nearby villages, which have been surrounded by military vehicles. Earlier, protesters took to the streets, saying they will not be humiliated by the government. Saudi people have been taking to the streets since 2011, calling for more freedom and financial security. Regime forces have killed seven protesters since November. Rights groups have slammed Riyadh for its persecution of protesters and called for an investigation into the killings. Amnesty International and the Human Rights Watch have also accused the al-Saud regime of silencing dissent through intimidation and violation of the basic rights of citizens.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Anti-regime protests continue in Saudi Arabia [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-012712?start=382</link>
        <description>WARNING: Graphic content. One year on, Egyptians return to Tahrir Square for the second &quot;Friday of Rage,&quot; Syrian activists report of &quot;terrifying massacre&quot; in Homs, suicide bombing leaves 31 dead and fuels sectarian tension in Iraq, and more.&lt;br /&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:24:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-012712</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-012712-world-news-from-the-middle-east-1487.mp4" length="229656128" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-316000/316351/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=c6e45e0c921725a731a0d1425681a08d" />
        <media:keywords>Bahrain Uprising, Bahrain, House of Saud, Jerusalem, Syrian Civil War, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Ali Abdullah Saleh, Yemen Uprising, Egyptian Revolution, Baghdad</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Anti-regime protests erupted once again in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. The protestors expressed solidarity with the revolution and neighboring Bahrain. The Eastern Province and the city of Qatif have become centers of dissent of the al Saud family, accused by demonstrators of oppression and discrimination. The recent protests come in defiance of a strict ban imposed by Riyadh against any type of protest gatherings across the country. </media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Regime forces arrest nine people in eastern Saudi city of Qatif [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-012412?start=691</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Field Marshal Tantawi to lift Egypt's state of emergency except in acts of &quot;thuggery,&quot; competing claims emerge over fighting in Libya's Bani Walid, Syria accuses Arab League of &quot;foreign conspiracy,&quot; and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-012412</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-012412-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1464.mp4" length="230244905" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-313000/313840/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=b25aaa91449c3d09c3188aacf23e54f6" />
        <media:keywords>Protest, Israel, Palestinians, Gaza, Israeli-occupied territories, Civilian casualties, Parliament of France, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Bani Walid</media:keywords>
        <media:text>In the top story, Saudi Arabia has arrested nine people in the restive eastern city of Qatif for involvement in anti-government protests. Opposition sources say Saudi forces opened fire on the men while arresting them. Some of them are now in critical condition, according to reports. Saudi officials are accusing the men of shooting members of the security forces in the Eastern Province, causing injuries. Six protestors have lost their lives so far during the regime's crackdown on peaceful rallies against the ruling al-Saud family. </media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudis stage fresh protests to demand freedom and equality [Al-Alam, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-012012?start=804</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Five unemployed protestors set themselves alight in Morocco, 19 killed as Syrians demonstrate for the &quot;Detainees of the Revolution,&quot; France suspends Afghan mission after deadly attack on troops, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-012012</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-012012-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1445.mp4" length="230258751" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-313000/313801/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=ad872ceebd1b4a5f963c8ad9c77a02c7" />
        <media:keywords>Friday prayers, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Youth, Palestinians, Iran, Israel, Israel Defense Forces, United Nations, Saudi Arabia, Rabat</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1 
Two peaceful demonstrations broke out in Qatif and Safawi in Saudi Arabia to express loyalty for martyr Essam and to continue the mobilization until all demands for freedom are achieved. The demonstrators expressed solidarity with the family of martyr Essam Abu Abdullah who was killed last Thursday by the gunfire of Saudi regime forces during a peaceful demonstration demanding reform and democracy. The demonstrators called for the ouster of the governor of the Eastern Province, Hamad Bin Fahd. A memorial service will be held tonight for martyr Essam in the city of al-Awamiyah.

Reporter, Male #1
In response to a call by the youth blocs in Saudi Arabia, peaceful demonstrations broke out demanding reform, freedom, and democracy. In al-Awamiyah in the Eastern Province, masses of demonstrators called for change and freedom, under the same slogans from when protests were first sparked in the Kingdom. In solidarity with the family of martyr Essam Abu Abdullah, who was killed at the hands of the Saudi regime's forces, the demonstrators chanted slogans calling for the pursuit and punishment of his killers. The demonstrators also expressed solidarity with the Bahraini people, who are thirsty for freedom. They raised the Bahraini flag and chanted slogans denouncing the Manama regime's policies and the Saudi military intervention in the country. In Safwa in the Eastern Province, a peaceful demonstration broke out demanding an end to the oppression of the people in the eastern region. The demonstrators expressed rage over the crackdown practices carried out by Saudi security forces, who are murdering innocent people. They also demanded the release of the forgotten prisoners, as more than 200 political prisoners remain behind the regime's bars. The youth blocs also called for a massive demonstration in the Qatif region to express the people's rage, reject the regime's policies, and demand change.
</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi protestors hold demonstrations in Qatif [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-011712?start=1199</link>
        <description>Kuwait to deport 'stateless' protestors who demanded citizenship, Yemeni regime accused of handing over Rada'a to extremist groups, Syria rejects Qatar's call for Arab troops, and more.&lt;br /&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-011712</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-011712-world-news-from-the-middle-east-1407.mp4" length="229931921" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-313000/313723/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=8cc0165a93cc873b0bf2dd0f3b96856c" />
        <media:keywords>Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, 2011 Kuwait protests, Yemen Uprising, Syrian Civil War, Middle East Peace Process, Hosni Mubarak, Cyber warfare, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, House of Saud</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Anti-government demonstrators in Saudi Arabia have held yet another rally in the Eastern Province to condemn recent killing of a young protestor. Twenty-two year old Issam Muhammad Abu Abdullah died in an attack on a peaceful demonstration last week. Several others were injured. Saudi Arabia has been witnessing demonstrations on an almost daily basis over the past months. The demonstrators demand the release of political prisoners. They are also angry at economic and religious discrimination as well as their government's involvement in the brutal crackdown on protest rallies in neighboring Bahrain.  
</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi security forces kill one protestor in Qatif Province [Al-Alam, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-011312?start=421</link>
        <description>The popular mobilization persists in al-Qatif Province of Saudi Arabia as the repression with live ammunition continues. People were martyred and wounded and dozens were arrested, reports Al-Alam.</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-011312</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-011312-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1398.mp4" length="230151231" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-313000/313691/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=dc8da8ba406a409152550ba689f31ece" />
        <media:keywords>Protest, Iran, Israel, Citizenship, Nuclear program of Iran, Civilian casualties, Amman, Political reform, Jordan, Tunisia</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1   
The popular mobilization persists in al-Qatif Province of Saudi Arabia as the repression with live ammunition continues. People were martyred and wounded and dozens were arrested. The Saudi media describes the internal movement as terrorism while praising the mobilizations abroad as freedom movements. Saudi laws ban peaceful protests and free speech, as stringent security measures are taken to prevent the tide of change from spreading. Meanwhile, both neighboring countries and foreign powers afar remain suspiciously silent, but for how long? Freedom remains forbidden in Saudi Arabia. Can the kingdom block the winds of reform and change for long? And when will the deafening calls by advocates of freedom and human rights in multiple areas be heard? So in Saudi Arabia, protests persist and repression continues.

Reporter, Female #2
A news observer website quoted government sources confirming a youth was martyred and three were wounded by the Saudi security forces' gunfire on Thursday evening in the town of Awamia in al-Qatif Province of Saudi Arabia. This raised the death toll by the security forces' gunfire to five martyrs in the past few weeks. The website quoted eyewitnesses saying members of security forces opened heavy fire after stones were thrown at a security vehicle in one of the town's backstreets. Following the incident, security members shut down all entrances to the town, barring anyone from entering or exiting. It is worth mentioning that al-Qatif Province has witnessed sporadic protest marches throughout the past several months demanding the release of political prisoners and the implementation of political reforms in the kingdom. The protestors endured shooting with live ammunition by security forces, leading to a number of martyrdoms and injuries. In addition, the authorities detained around 400 young people for various lengths of time, but have released most of them. Meanwhile, nearly 70 of them are still behind bars. The most prominent detainees include two writers, Nadhir al-Majid and Ali al-Dubaisi, and human rights activist Fadil al-Munasif. Since February, the Saudi authorities have been imposing a collective punishment on all al-Qatif residents and reinforcing its control of the region. They have set up more than 15 military checkpoints equipped with heavy weaponry and armored vehicles at the region's entrances, exits, and central areas. Police officers deliberately impose the collective punishment and have resorted to provoking the citizens by preventing them from going to work on a daily basis in order to instigate strife between the residents and the youth movement.   </media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Anti-regime protests rage in Saudi Arabia [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-011212?start=1087</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Timing questioned in release of video showing US Marines urinating on dead insurgents, Israel's siege on Gaza causes rise in child labor, Pakistan's Zardari heads to Dubai wedding amid fears of military coup, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-011212</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-011212-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1381.mp4" length="230756993" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-313000/313658/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=8779f17b8e9c9841c1c9e414576720e7" />
        <media:keywords>Protest, Israel, Syria, Syrian Civil War, Bahrain, Racism, Civilian casualties, Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, Egypt</media:keywords>
        <media:text>In Saudi Arabia, people have taken to the streets shouting slogans against the government in the oil rich Eastern Province. The protestors came out in several towns and villages including Qatif calling for the ouster of the provincial governor. They also called on Riyadh to bring back its troops from neighboring Bahrain. The protestors also called fro freedom and equality. Anti-regime protests have been held since last year in the Arab kingdom and escalated in November when regime forces killed several protestors.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi police fire live rounds to disperse marchers in Qatif [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-011112?start=277</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Tunisia's Kasserine marks first anniversary of the revolution, Pakistan fires defense secretary amid escalating crisis, Iran accuses Israel of assassinating nuclear scientist in Tehran, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-011112</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-011112-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1376.mp4" length="230201804" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-313000/313636/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=92e89666cc2cf13c8164248c5dd0c913" />
        <media:keywords>Protest, Israel, Tehran, Iran, Nuclear program of Iran, Pakistan, Qatif, Ali Abdullah Saleh, Avigdor Lieberman, Bashar al-Assad</media:keywords>
        <media:text>In other news, anti-government protestors in Saudi Arabia have held yet another rally in the restive Eastern Province. Reports say police have fired live rounds to disperse the crowd in the city of Qatif. Saudi Arabia has been witnessing demonstrations almost on a daily basis over the past months. The protestors are demanding the release of political prisoners. Activists say there are over 30,000 political prisoners in the Arab kingdom. They are also angry over at economic and religious discrimination as well as the government's brutal crackdown on rallies in neighboring Bahrain. 
</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi princess slams human rights violations in the Kingdom [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-010512?start=873</link>
        <description>Princess Basma Bint Saud Bin Abdul Aziz, niece of King Abdullah, has criticized what she calls serious violations of human rights in Saudi Arabia, as anti-regime protest continue in parts of the kingdom in defiance of the heavy-handed crackdown, reports Press TV.</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-010512</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-010512-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1332.mp4" length="229848434" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-313000/313548/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=3d15f01db95d2ea5878139d9df2d67ab" />
        <media:keywords>Israel Defense Forces, Israel, West Bank, Protest, Israeli-occupied territories, Nuclear program of Iran, Iraq, Syrian Civil War, Hosni Mubarak, Iran</media:keywords>
        <media:text>The Saudi princess meanwhile has criticized what she calls serious violations of human rights in Saudi Arabia. This, as anti-regime protest continue in parts of the kingdom in defiance of the heavy-handed crackdown. Princess Basma Bint Saud Bin Abdul Aziz is currently living in London. She has told British media that she would not remain silent about what is happening in her country. She also slammed what she called the lack of fairness and the distribution of wealth and power between the royal family and ordinary people.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi Arabia issues arrest warrants for 23 Qatif protestors [Al-Alam, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-010412?start=522</link>
        <description>Saudi authorities have issued arrest warrants for 23 people who participated in peaceful protests in Qatif, while the Institute for Persian Gulf Affairs in Washington said it intends to create a committee to pursue high-ranking Saudi officials for human rights violations.</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-010412</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-010412-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1319.mp4" length="230734801" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-313000/313503/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=f452b343bfcc195a1219fd192eb66263" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Palestinians, Syrian Civil War, Bahrain Uprising, Egyptian Parliamentary Election 2011-2012, South Sudan, Nigeria, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Islam in China</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female # 1 
The Institute for Persian Gulf Affairs in Washington announced its intention to form a committee to pursue high-ranking Saudi officials for human rights violations. Meanwhile, some Saudi opposition members criticized the authorities' decision to prosecute 23 people who participated in peaceful protests in the Eastern Province and the arrest of two of them.  

Reporter, Female # 2
These are Saudi attempts to go back in time to the period before protestors took to the streets of the Eastern Province. But it seems the authorities' attempts are counter-productive and fueling more demonstrations. In the latest episode of the Saudi series aimed at breaking down any popular mobilization, the Interior Ministry issued arrest warrants for 23 people accused of what it described as riots in the Eastern Province. The authorities then quickly arrested individuals saying they are wanted, as official sources said three others turned themselves in. However, the Saudi opposition is saying it won't stand idly by, as the coalition of the Free Youth of Qatif called for a massive demonstration on Friday in al-Qatif under the banner &quot;the earthquake of the free.&quot; The coalition confirmed the mobilization is ongoing and will not be stopped by arrests. It described the Interior Ministry's accusations as unjust and as false fabrications. Observers believe that Saudi Arabia, which is not expected to last long in the face of the winds of change that have erupted in the region, is now finding itself encircled by more reports of its human rights violations. The latest was announced by the Institute for Persian Gulf Affairs in Washington. It said it intends to create a committee to pursue high-ranking Saudi officials for these violations. The institute confirmed the committee will issue a list of the names and photos of those responsible for the violations, and their full information in order to pursue them internationally. It also called on Saudis to participate in gathering information and documenting these crimes, which include killing, torture, imprisonment of dissenters, attacks on protestors, and firing bullets at them. In addition to ethnic, religious, and sectarian discrimination, other actions have been added to the list of violations that always find someone to uncover them. 
</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi protests intensify after police kill several demonstrators [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-121611?start=802</link>
        <description>Syrian protestors slam Arab League's inaction, hundreds of thousands of Yemenis reject amnesty for Saleh, a look back at the Arab revolutions of 2011, and more.&lt;br /&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-121611</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-121611-1238.mp4" length="265264899" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-313000/313326/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=a10722a0f518dc43b70304964974fb2f" />
        <media:keywords>Israel Defense Forces, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Ali Abdullah Saleh, Syrian Civil War, Yemen Uprising, Bahrain Uprising, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Arab Spring, US-Iran relations, Gilad Shalit</media:keywords>
        <media:text>In eastern Saudi Arabia, people have taken to the streets in Qatif in the city's Eastern Province. They are calling for freedom and the release of all political prisoners. The protest comes after a similar rally in Awamiyah, another city in the Eastern Province. The cities in the province have been the scene of anti-regime rallies over the past months. The rallies have intensified since the killing of several demonstrators by regime forces last month, yet the protests continue despite a law that bans all public gatherings. The protestors have also denounced their country's participation in the crackdown on protestors in neighboring Bahrain. </media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudis stage 'Loyalty to Martys' protests in Awamiyah [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-120911?start=460</link>
        <description>Syrian protestors hold &quot;dignity strike&quot; to topple Assad regime, millions of Yemenis rally on the Friday of &quot;revolutionary alignment,&quot; Sudan's first cabinet after south's secession brings little change, and more.&lt;br /&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-120911</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-120911-world-news-from-the-middle-east-1188.mp4" length="238468281" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-313000/313192/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=47cadfb4991dc6f076e32ae9fbdb2a8b" />
        <media:keywords>Protest, Civilian casualties, Israel Defense Forces, Syria, Tear gas, Syrian Civil War, Palestinians, Israel, Bashar al-Assad, Friday prayers</media:keywords>
        <media:text>In Saudi Arabia, thousands of anti-regime protestors have taken to the streets in the city of Awamiyah in the country's Eastern Province. They have named the march &quot;Loyalty to to Martyrs.&quot; They are angry at the government troops' killing of anti-regime demonstrators in the province. Regime protestors killed several protestors during demonstrations against the ruling monarchy over the past weeks. Demonstrators in Awamiyah and other cities in the Eastern Province, including Qatif, have staged several rallies denouncing the murders. They have also called for more freedom and the release of all political prisoners. </media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudis rally to 'release all forgotten prisoners' [Al-Alam, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-120711?start=557</link>
        <description>Protest rallies continued in Saudi Arabia's region of al-Qatif, demanding political freedoms and the prosecution of the killers who murdered peaceful protestors, reports Al-Alam.</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-120711</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-120711-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1170.mp4" length="252212518" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-313000/313150/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=43fb3a2c46e2797bbf37f029dd7b8559" />
        <media:keywords>Protest, Israel, Demonstration (people), 2011 Libyan Uprising, Egyptian Parliamentary Election 2011-2012, Bahrain Uprising, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Syrian Civil War, Homs, Yemen Uprising</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
Meanwhile, protest rallies continued in Saudi Arabia's region of al-Qatif, demanding political freedoms and the prosecution of the killers who murdered peaceful protestors. The residents organized a unified demonstration to express loyalty to the martyrs and solidarity with the prisoners of opinion. Dozens of scholars as well as political and rights activists called on the Saudi authorities to suspend the prison sentences of the 16 reform activists in the city of Jeddah.

Reporter, Male #1
Under the slogan &quot;release all forgotten prisoners,&quot; the residents of Shuwaika held a unified rally in Saudi Arabia's Eastern province of Qatif. The protestors affirmed their demands for political freedoms in the country. Four martyrs were killed in the regime's crackdown nearly two weeks ago. The demonstrators appealed to human rights organizations and religious scholars, especially in Qatif, and urged them to take responsible action and support the people's legitimate rights and help free all prisoners of opinion. They also called for the release of forgotten prisoners who have been detained for nearly 16 years without trial. The protestors vowed to follow the footsteps of the martyrs despite the authorities' crackdown. They organized a rally on Friday to express loyalty to the martyrs and solidarity with the detainees. In support of the demonstrators, dozens of religious scholars, and political and rights activists, called on the Saudi authorities to suspend the sentences of the 16 reform activists in the city of Jeddah. In a statement, the Sunni and Shiite activists condemned the harsh and unfair sentences held against the reform activists, following five years of detention. They also demanded the release of prisoners of opinion, including all forgotten detainees. In addition, they demanded an end to the use of arms against the protesters, remove all checkpoints from the streets of Qatif, and end all forms of discrimination in the province. They also called for the formation of a fact-finding commission to pursue the perpetrators who killed demonstrators in Qatif. The statement rejected the authorities' claim that events in Qatif are unpatriotic, and they are being staged by armed groups working on behalf of foreign interests. In addition, the statement described the authorities' claims as baseless, especially since they were issued without conducting any investigation. </media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Protestors in Saudi Arabia's Qatif condemn killing of protestors [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-120611?start=1265</link>
        <description>Twin bombings kill scores of Afghans on Shiite holy day, Kuwait's emir dissolves parliament amid corruption allegations, thousands in Saudi Arabia's Qatif condemn killing of protestors, and more.&lt;br /&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-120611</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-120611-world-news-from-the-middle-east-1172.mp4" length="307095810" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-313000/313305/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=ef77ec2a746750bcf45a435c55fc6c77" />
        <media:keywords>Syrian Civil War, Arab–Israeli conflict, Syria, Israel, Day of Ashura, Palestine, Muharram, Homs, Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah</media:keywords>
        <media:text>In Saudi Arabia Muharram opening ceremonies have turned into anti-government protests by tens of thousands of people. The rally was staged in Qatif in the Eastern Province. This is one of the largest anti-government rallies in Saudi Arabia, where any such gatherings are strictly banned. The Saudi government has harshly cracked down on protests against the al-Saud rule in recent months. A number of protestors have been killed and many more have been jailed. Riyadh has been frequently condemned by rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch for what they call gross violations of human rights. </media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Fresh anti-regime protests erupt in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-120511?start=1275</link>
        <description>Yemeni vice president forms military council as violence continues, Shia Muslims mark Ashura as deadly bombing targets pilgrims in Iraq, Assad regime holds war games in show of force, and more.&lt;br /&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-120511</guid>
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-313000/313123/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=d33aa5bd67d2c65b5e47624b05005380" />
        <media:keywords>Protest, Syrian Civil War, Syria, Israel, Damascus, Bashar al-Assad, Yemen Uprising, Taiz, Homs, Benjamin Netanyahu</media:keywords>
        <media:text>In Saudi Arabia's oil rich province, demonstrators have taken to the streets, condemin the killing of five demonstrators two weeks ago. Im the city of Qatif, demonstrators held placards bearing the pictures of those killed by Saudi forces. They also took to the streets in nearby towns and villages including Awamiyah. The rally shouted slogans against the ruling Al Saud family. Activists say military vehicles have surrounded some villages and parts of Qatif. Late last month, Saudi regime forces opened fire on thousands of anti-regime protestors, killing several of them.  </media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi regime deploys troops to suppress protests in Qatif [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112911?start=233</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Iranian students storm British embassy during protest against sanctions, Saudi regime deploys troops to suppress protests in Qatif, Libya's Amazigh angry over cabinet exclusion, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112911</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-112911-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1129.mp4" length="246577942" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-313000/313048/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=3f3957d2233310cc335e7264a8a3c0a4" />
        <media:keywords>Bashar al-Assad, Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Sanctions against Iran, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Egyptian Revolution, Syrian Civil War, Yemen Uprising, Nuclear program of Iran</media:keywords>
        <media:text>In Saudi Arabia, authorities have deployed more troops and military vehicles to the eastern city of Qatif to crush demonstrations there. The deployment comes among mass rallies in Qatif and other eastern cities of Awamia and Safwa. On Monday, protestors hit the streets in Qatif to vent their anger on the Saudi regime. Saudi forces have killed five protestors and injured many more over the past several days. Funerals for the victims have usually turned into anti-regime where protestors have been chanting slogans against the al-Saud regime. Angry protestors are slamming what they call &quot;systematic discrimination&quot; in the kingdom. They say they are being targeted for demanding more freedom and equality.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Kuwait cabinet resigns amid political crisis [Al-Alam, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112811?start=948</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Egypt holds landmark elections amid fears for the revolution, Syria considers Arab League sanctions a declaration of economic war, and Pakistanis protest deadly US-led NATO airstrike.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112811</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-112811-1124.mp4" length="255134531" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-313000/313019/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=d125ab3e7b6acdf2ecb30c6c84a3d1d6" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, NATO, Egypt, Arab League, Egyptian Revolution, Syrian Civil War, Chemical Weapons Convention, Yemen Uprising, 2011 Kuwait protests</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1   
The emir of Kuwait, Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, accepted the cabinet's resignation amid an escalating political crisis in the country. The cabinet's resignation came after the Council of Ministers convened a meeting this morning attended by the emir. Reliable sources suggested that the emir is likely to dissolve parliament and call for early elections, which will be the fourth in five years. These developments come ahead of a protest called for by Saudi-affiliated parties this evening to demand the ouster of the cabinet. Protests called for by youth movements broke out in two eastern Saudi cities, Safwa and al-Awamia, demanding reprisal for the dead, the release of prisoners, and the resignation of the emir of the eastern region. Thousands took part in the protests amid heightened security measures. The military forces deployed their vehicles at intersections and major streets and set up checkpoints to inspect the IDs of passers-by. The protestors demanded a neutral investigation into the parties and individuals responsible for opening fire on peaceful protests in al-Awamia and al-Qatif last week, which killed four people and wounded several others. The protestors also demanded the emir of the eastern region step down. </media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Thousands participate in largest Saudi protest yet [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112311?start=1236</link>
        <description>Egyptian protestors demand the military council step down, Bahrain rights probe confirms authorities used systematic torture, Yemen's Saleh finally signs power handover deal, and more.&lt;br /&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112311</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-112311-world-news-from-the-middle-east-1115.mp4" length="235007766" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-312000/312998/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=c71240a3656efd88a433595744c55f5a" />
        <media:keywords>Egypt, Egyptian Revolution, Bahrain Uprising, Yemen Uprising, Syrian Civil War, 2011 Kuwait protests, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Iraqi Army, Saif al-Islam, Egyptian Army</media:keywords>
        <media:text>In Saudi Arabia, thousands of people have taken to the streets in one of the largest protest rallies against the al-Saud regimes in the country. The protest took place after funeral services for two anti regime protestors. Ali Felfel and Nasser Mheishi were shot dead by Saudi security forces earlier this week in the eastern Saudi city of Qatif. Elsewhere, young protestors are pelting Saudi armored vehicles with stones in the town of Awamiya in the Eastern Province.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Thousands of Saudis protest government killing of teenage boy [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112111?start=318</link>
        <description>Military council approves political isolation law as deadly Cairo clashes enter a third day, Bahrain admits to using &quot;excessive force&quot; against protestors, Syrian troops attack Turkish buses, and more.</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112111</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-112111-world-news-from-the-middle-east-1108.mp4" length="235509254" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-312000/312973/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=1a4995b0d4df65462d97aa3174878818" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Saudi Arabia, CIA, Egyptian Revolution, Bahrain Uprising, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Syria-Turkey relations, Yemen Uprising, King Abdullah, Nuclear program of Iran</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Now to Saudi Arabia, where thousands of protestors have taken to the streets condemning the government's killing of a teenage boy. Saudis in the oil-rich Eastern Province are mourning the death of 19-year-old Nasser al-Mheishi. He was killed on Sunday night by Saudi regime forces while walking along with a group of friends in the town of Qatif. Security forces have injured and arrested dozens of people in the past few days. Tensions have been high after Riyadh decided to escalate its troop presence.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi Hajj pilgrims urge Peninsula Shield Force to leave Bahrain [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110911?start=842</link>
        <description>In Saudi Arabia, Hajj pilgrims from the city of Qatif called on Arab countries to leave Bahrain. Members of the Gulf Cooperation Council have deployed security forces to Bahrain in response to Manama's call for military help to quell anti-government protests. </description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110911</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-110911-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1049.mp4" length="240612810" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-312000/312816/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=2771224b6f2c3072d0158186e2e776da" />
        <media:keywords>Saudi Arabia, Nuclear program of Iran, Palestinians, International Atomic Energy Agency, Hajj, West Bank, Israel, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Israeli-occupied territories, Ali Air Base</media:keywords>
        <media:text>In Saudi Arabia, Hajj pilgrims from the city of Qatif want forces of Persian Gulf Arab countries to leave Bahrain. The Saudi protestors called on their governments and other Arab countries to leave the Bahraini people with their revolution. Similar protests were held on Tuesday by Bahraini Hajj pilgrims in Mecca. Saudi Arabia and some members of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council have deployed security forces to Bahrain. The Peninsula Shield forces were deployed in response to Manama's call for military help to quell anti-government protests. </media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi Arabia deploys additional troops to Eastern Province [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-10102011?start=1111</link>
        <description>Moroccans revive protests against social injustice and corruption, Muslims and Christians alike decry church attacks in Egypt after dozens killed, and opposition dismisses Saleh's resignation pledge as new propaganda.&lt;br /&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-10102011</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-10102011-world-news-from-the-middle-east-862.mp4" length="285613585" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-312000/312268/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=2952c1a0dbc2cee6426292191d1e4470" />
        <media:keywords>Protest, Syrian Civil War, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Bahrain, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Homs, Palestinians, Arab people</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Saudi Arabia sent a large number of military vehicles, including tanks, to the oil-rich Eastern Province. Activists said dozens of military vehicles left an army base in the center of the country towards the east. Last week, Saudi officials dispatched over 40 military vehicles to the region in a bid to quell anti-regime protests. The protests rocked the eastern city of Qatif for several days. Demonstrators demanded more freedoms and the withdrawal of the kingdom's military from Bahrain. </media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Saudi security forces open fire on civilians as protests gain momentum [Al-Alam, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100611?start=901</link>
        <description>Afghans denounce US occupation on eve of invasion's anniversary, Iraq decides to keep US trainers but withholds immunity, Palestinians rally in support of Israeli prison hunger strike, and more.&lt;br /&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100611</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-100611-world-news-from-the-middle-east-846.mp4" length="307204519" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-312000/312226/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=fefcf5cdf7c8b93f48d7d5be15b75b9f" />
        <media:keywords>Protest, Civilian casualties, US Armed Forces, Palestinians, Sniper, US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, 2011 Libyan Uprising, Sirte, Syrian Civil War</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female # 1 
Saudi forces indiscriminately fired at civilians in the village of al-Awamiyah in the Kingdom's eastern province of al-Qatif, where residents were protesting. The demonstrators are demanding an end to injustice, persecution, and the crackdown on the Saudi people, as well as an end to sectarian incitement. British newspaper The Independent confirmed 27 civilians were injured by the live bullets of Saudi forces who fired on a large demonstration in al-Awamiyah, denying the Saudi narrative on these protests. The newspaper reported that medical sources who received the wounded in al-Qatif Hospital said all of them are civilians and had gunshot wounds. Saudi authorities accused the demonstrators in al-Awamiyah of firing at the police, saying most of the injured are police officers. 

Reporter, Male # 2
Saudi Arabia is witnessing domestic unrest after the latest events in al-Qatif and al-Awamiyah when Saudi security forces used indiscriminate violence to quell the protest, which led to the injury of dozens of people and the arrest of dozens of others. Reports indicate that Saudi security forces indiscriminately fired at civilians in the village of al-Awamiyah, which led al-Qatif residents to protest. They chanted slogan demanding an end to injustice, persecution, and the crackdown on the Saudi people. They also demanded an end to sectarian incitement. This comes as reports confirmed that the reason a number of police officers were injured during their crackdown on a protest in al-Awamiyah was confusion, which led some to fire at their colleagues. The Saudi Interior Ministry admitted in a statement that some people were injured, stressing that most are police officers. It directed blame toward a foreign country, saying that country is behind the events in al-Qatif. Observers believe Saudi authorities are using the claim to justify all new measures against the residents of al-Qatif and to divert attention from the political crisis in the country, which is caused by the ongoing struggle between the regime's leaders over the succession of King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz. The king and his heir are both ill. On the other hand, Saudi religious scholar Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr is accusing the authorities of provoking and dishonoring the residents of al-Awamiyah. He also condemned the arrest and harassment of the protestors. Meanwhile, protests continue in the eastern province of al-Qatif, condemning the injustice facing Saudis. Demonstrators demanded the dismissal of the eastern region's prince, Muhammad bin Fahd. In an attempt to reduce the unrest, Saudi Interior Minister Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz said his country enjoys stable security and that it guarantees its citizens a free life without any restrictions on their movements despite the regional conditions. However, he said the barrier to the blowing winds of change is represented by the fact that Saudi Arabia is surrounded by unrest in a number of Arab countries.  </media:text>
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        <title>Saudi Arabia Blames Protests on 'Outside Forces'</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/saudi-arabia-blames-protests-on-outside-forces?start=0</link>
        <description>Saudi Arabia has blamed an unnamed foreign power for clashes that took place in the eastern city of Qatif, which is home to a large Shia population and was the scene of protests earlier this year. </description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 05 Oct 2011 08:22:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/saudi-arabia-blames-protests-on-outside-forces</guid>
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-312000/312177/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=ca9974a81793ca8ff8d35c604a86d815" />
        <media:keywords>Saudi Arabia, Qatif, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Protest, Shia Islam, Al-Awamiyah, Police, Al Jazeera English</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Saudi Arabia has blamed an unnamed foreign power for clashes that took place in its oil-rich Eastern Province in which it says 14 people were injured. The unrest, on Monday night, occurred in the Gulf coast city of Qatif, which is home to a large Shia population and was the scene of protests earlier this year. &quot;A foreign country is trying to undermine national security by inciting strife in Qatif,&quot; Saudi state television cited the interior ministry as saying on Tuesday. Al Jazeera's Mohamed Vall reports.</media:text>
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