A high Shia official in King Abdulaziz Sea Port in Dammam resigned due to oppression and injustice and depriving him from his promotion rights.
Engineer Abdulshaheed Al-Sunni, Commercial Operation Contracts & Ports Properties Manager, said that the rationale behind his resignation was his feeling of injustice and being pushed away from his rightful promotion that is equal to his experience and qualifications."
Al-Sunni in his resignation letter criticized the "absence of systematic and fair promotion".
As per the resignation letter, Al-Sunni cited September 26 as last working date for him and requesting early retirement as of the said date.
Mr. Al-Sunni sent an official complaint on April addressed to Saudi Ports Authority President Mr. Khalid Bu Boshait highlighting his situation and his feelings of being pushed away and not receiving his rightful treatment.
His frustration was deepened when the recent promotion list came out without his name as he cited in his letter.
It is said by several people who work with Mr. Al-Sunni that sectarian reasons prevented his forward movement in the management hierarchy similar to his fellow Shia employees.
Since his graduation from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals in 1978, he worked in the port and was known as the most senior Shia person in the port.
He was regarded highly in his work place and represented the Kingdom in many national and international conferences.
Human Rights Watch said in a report released recently, that Saudi is practicing Systematic Discrimination and Hostility toward Saudi Shia Citizens.
State discrimination against Shia extends to realms other than religious freedom. The report cites discrimination in the education system, where Shia may not teach religion in class and Shia pupils learn from Sunni teachers that they are unbelievers.
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