Saudi forces attack Qatif protesters

Saudi security forces have fired live bullets to disperse an anti-government protest rally in the eastern city of Qatif, reports say.

Saudi protesters were demanding the release of political prisoners. There were no immediate reports of casualties. 

Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province has been witnessing demonstrations almost on a daily basis over the past months. Protesters demand political reforms, greater liberties, freedom of expression and the release of political prisoners some held without trial for more than 16 years.

They have also condemned economic and religious discrimination in the oil-rich region and their government's involvement in a brutal crackdown on protesters in neighboring Bahrain. 

Activists say there are more than 30,000 political prisoners held in jails across Saudi Arabia, who, the Saudi-based Human Rights First Society says, are being subjected to both physical and mental torture. 

According to rights activists, most of the detained are being held without trial or legitimate charges and have been arrested on grounds of mere suspicion. 

Anti-government protests in the Kingdom have intensified since November, when security forces opened fire on protesters in Qatif, killing five people and leaving many more injured.