Saudi Arabian riot police have attacked a peaceful protest rally east of the kingdom, injuring at least five people while attempting to disperse demonstrators by force.
Despite a heavy security presence, hundreds of anti-government protesters took to the streets in the city of Qatif on Friday to condemn Riyadh's role in the brutal crackdown on Bahraini protesters.
They also called for human rights reform, freedom of expression and the release of political prisoners some held without trial for more than 16 years.
Saudi women also held a candle-light vigil in the city of Awamiyah in solidarity with the people of Bahrain.
The latest protest rallies in Qatif came one day after activists announced that at least 30 people, including two bloggers and a writer, were arrested in the past few days for taking part in anti-government demonstrations.
According to an activist, those detained were either called to police stations and arrested or were arrested during raids by security forces.
Saudi Arabia's east has been the scene of anti-government protests over the past months.
Human Rights Watch says more than 160 dissidents have been arrested since February as part of the Saudi government's crackdown on anti-government protesters.
According to the Saudi-based Human Rights First Society (HRFS), the detainees were subject to torture both physically and mentally.
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