Protests violate Islamic law, Riyadh says

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, March 10 (UPI) -- Protests in Saudi Arabia violate Shariah law and reform can come only through peaceful dialogue, officials in Riyadh said.

Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal says the government is increasing security ahead of a planned "Day of Rage" scheduled for Friday.

Faisal was quoted by London's pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat as saying "reform does not come via protests and (clerics) have forbidden such protests" because the demonstrations violate the Koran.

Middle Eastern and North African observers are concerned of the geopolitical consequences should the wave of unrest reach Saudi Arabia.

Faisal warned that foreign interference in Saudi affairs was unacceptable and violated the principles of the state.

"We are a state based on Islamic Shariah law and we will not accept any reproach from those who believe that there is something that they do not accept in this regime," he was quoted as saying.

Earlier this week the Saudi government released 25 Shiite protesters detained in the past few weeks.

The foreign minister stated that Riyadh's monarchy "has instructed all officials that their doors should be open to all citizens to present proposals and grievances."

Demonstrations against the government were planned in several locations throughout the country, to demand an end to the royal family's monopoly over policymaking.