Saudi youth on Facebook call for reform

Messages posted by Saturday urge a change to the constitutional monarchy and call for holding free and fair elections, respect of human rights and individual freedoms.

A group of Saudi Facebook activists have started a campaign calling for political and economic reforms, inspired by events in Tunisia and Egypt that have been spurred by social networking groups.

The Saudi campaign is entitled “People Want Regime Reform.”

Messages posted by Saturday urge a change to the constitutional monarchy and call for holding free and fair elections, respect of human rights and individual freedoms.

The Saudi Facebook activists say a new constitution should guarantee women’s rights. The kingdom observes strict Islamic laws that segregate the sexes, while women are not allowed to drive.

The postings also discuss unemployment, corruption and unfair distribution of the wealth in the world’s biggest oil producer.