There are widely varying accounts of the events surrounding the deaths of these two men as well as what kind of men they were and why they were targeted. One in particular, Mursi al-Rebah was on the government’s most wanted list for alleged involvement in armed clashes with the authorities as well as other serious criminal activities. However, many in his Shiite-majority town of Awamiya saw him as a defender of their rights, and they now consider him a “martyr.” A video clip posted on YouTube of a procession following his death appears to include thousands of mourners who could be heard chanting rare anti-government slogans as well as calling for “retribution for those who fired the bullets.” While Shiite protests have occurred intermittently over the past year and a half, most have not been nearly as politically charged as this one. The sense of anger at the perceived injustice is palpable.
Untimely Test for Saudi Regime
Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust
Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.