Social challenges as Saudis draw throne’s future

Published April 11, 2014 6:43pm ET



DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — While Saudi Arabia’s royals work out the succession of the throne behind closed doors, a few voices are raising the most sensitive matter of all in the kingdom, questioning the ruling Al Saud family’s claim to absolute power and its unchecked rights to the country’s oil wealth.

At least 10 Saudis in the past weeks have posted video statements on YouTube sharply criticizing the royal family and demanding change. At least three of those who appeared in videos have since been arrested, along with seven others connected to the videos, security officials told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the press.

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