It seems that the “statement of the scholars of Qatif and Al-Ahsa” in Saudi Arabia rejecting armed violence against the state is still attracting more supporters, who believe in the importance of stopping violence and clashes with security forces in the city of Al-Awamiyah in the east of the kingdom. Around 100 Shiite social activists and intellectuals from Al-Awamiyah declared their support in early March for the statement, as well as for a similar nonviolent initiative by Sheikh Jaafar al-Rebeh, a prominent Shiite cleric from Al-Awamiyah.

Rebeh, also one of the signatories of the Shiite scholars' statement, has been seeking to find a peaceful solution to alleviate tensions that have been lying heavy on this Shiite town. The area has witnessed sporadic clashes over the past three years that have claimed the lives of locals and security personnel. The instability prompted security forces to erect checkpoints at the entrances to Al-Awamiyah. The checkpoints have aroused much discontent among locals, who complain of a lack of services and discrimination. Advocates against the security measures such as Shiite cleric Abdul Karim al-Habil stress that the demands of the Shiite population for economic, political and civil rights are legitimate, while accusing armed elements of hijacking the issue.

The statement by the scholars suggested releasing those who have been arrested and are not involved in murder cases, and reducing the number of checkpoints at the entrances to Al-Awamiyah. On the other hand, work would be carried out to convince those wanted by the authorities to turn themselves in, on the condition they get fair and transparent trials. Rebeh has also been trying to present this initiative to authorities.

Local newspapers in Saudi Arabia showed particular interest in the scholars’ statement. Major newspapers — such as Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Hayat, Al-Riyadh and Al-Iktisadiya — dedicated a remarkable amount of space on their pages to this statement. Saudi Sunni intellectuals wrote several articles in which they lauded the voice of reason that rejects violence. They considered the statement a “brave” step that deserves “appreciation.”