(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The 50-plus human rights campaigners called for the creation of a parliament and political parties -- a significant step forward in the conservative kingdom, where municipal elections form the only way of public voting.
They also demand that the crown prince should be appointed by a parliament, whose members are elected by direct popular votes.
The statement also called for the right to run for parliamentary seats for both men and women.
Besides prohibition from political positions, Saudi women are deprived of a choice in marriage, divorce and children's custody. They are also prevented from driving and voting and subjected to guardianship by male relatives.
The Saudi activists believe that the royal family should be held responsible and should stand trial for bringing years of corruption and tyranny in the country.
They particularly blame Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud for the continued detention of thousands of academics in jail without charges.
Saudi Arabia, the world's number one oil exporter, owns the biggest economy among Arab nations. However, many across the kingdom are denied their share of the country's oil-driven economy and persistently struggle with poverty.
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