A human rights report released in February 2012 by the Adala Center for Human Rights documents an escalation of arrests in the Qatif region of Saudi Arabia in response to public protests and an increase in political trials and violations of women rights and the right to freedom of expression. According to the Adala Centre, security authorities carried out a campaign of raids and searched houses without search warrants, and 36 individuals were arrested in the Eastern Province alone during the month of February. Over the last year, the Adala Centre estimates that the Saudi authorities have arrested at least 550 individuals accused of being involved in peaceful protests and gatherings in Riyadh, al-Hasa, al-Dammam and al-Qatif; 170 remain imprisoned, including six adults and four children who were arrested for posting content on Facebook.

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