RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- Police in the Saudia capital put down a demonstration for political reforms Wednesday, arresting at least 150 people.
Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Nayef Bin Abdel Aziz played down the significance of the protest, saying the number of demonstrators in the first public protest in the history of Saudi Arabia was very limited.
"They gathered up, carrying signs that mentioned women (rights) and other matters," he said. "They are misled people who were arrested and are being interrogated."
He said demonstrations were banned by law and the protesters "claiming to demand reforms were just ignorant and misled people whose barking is insignificant."
The demonstration coincided with an unprecedented conference on human rights which opened in Riyadh Monday.
It also came in the wake of the announcement the kingdom will organize the first partial municipal elections in 2004.
