Police Open Fire At Protests In Saudi Arabia

Three people have been injured a demonstration on the eve of Friday’s “day of rage.”

Financial analysts are watching Saudi Arabia closely today for signs of unrest that could plunge the oil-rich country into turmoil and drag global financial markets along with it. Conflicting reports say violence erupted in the eastern city of Qatif Thursday after police either fired at or over the heads of 600 protesters who had gathered to demand the release of prisoners. In emulation of protests that toppled governments in Tunisia and Egypt, Saudis have planned a “day of rage” for Friday to demand reforms to the country, which is ruled by a Sunni autocracy. Stability in Saudi Arabia, the West’s major Arab ally in the Middle East, is key to guarantee a flow of oil to international markets.