By DIAA HADID, Associated Press
Wed Mar 23, 2011

CAIRO – A pro-Shiite Saudi news website says police have arrested some 100 people who participated in demonstrations this month.

The Rasid website quotes unidentified rights activists saying those arrested were from the Shiite-dominated eastern towns of Qatif and al-Hasa. The activists tell Rasid they were arrested after demonstrating this month to demand the release of political prisoners, and against perceived discrimination in employment and government services.

Oil-wealthy Saudi Arabia is run by a tribal monarchy. Earlier this month, its king promised billions of dollars of loans, wage increases and jobs to quell discontent.
Rasid staff were not immediately available for comment. A government spokesman declined to respond.