Riyadh
Crackdown on dissent: Saudi Arabian security forces arrested some 40 clerics, scholars, and activists this week in nighttime raids, hauling elderly men out of bed and confiscating computers and books. Saudi officials said those detained had received backing from foreign countries or had ties to the banned Muslim Brotherhood, but analysts said they appear to have been targeted for their criticism of the Saudi-led embargo on Qatar. The raid is seen as an effort by Prince Mohammed bin Salman, 32, who was named heir apparent to King Salman in June, to consolidate his power. The new leadership, said Samah Hadid of Amnesty International, “is sending a chilling message: Freedom of expression will not be tolerated; we are coming after you.”