Nine activists in Saudi Arabia have announced the formation of the first political party in the country, amid ongoing pro-democracy protests in other Arab countries.
The move comes despite the kingdom’s ban on forming political parties. The founders of the “Islamic Umma Party” have conveyed a statement to King Abdullah asking him to recognize the group.
A copy of the letter published on the group’s website says that “It is not hidden from the kingdom that the Islamic world has seen great political developments and the strengthening of freedoms and human rights, which Islam already approves.
It further says that “it’s time for the kingdom to keep pace with this development and contribute to it”.
