Where did the "Saudi Liberals Network" go?? الشبكة الليبرالية السعودية

It seems that the Saudi Liberals Network, a popular Saudi web forum which openly discusses issues of concern to Saudi citizens, has disappeared from the face of the internet. This doesn't come as a surprise since the predecessors of the network, Tuwaa and Dar Al-Nadwa, were also shut down by the government. But why now? I am thinking that, among other things, it might be related to the latest reform petition which was endorsed and supported by the network. But I have no doubt that the Saudi reformers will start a new forum just as they have done before. Listen to this (you know who you are): You can shut a forum or two, arbitrarily detain a bunch of well respected individuals within the society, ban reformists from traveling, but you can never bring an end to a resilient spirit.

 

Comments

[Northern Shewolf]

I am afraid it went the way of the King's much awaited reforms. While it is not so surprising to outside observers, I know how upsetting this is to you dear Aya and to all your like-minded compatriots; may you be comforted in the thought that changes are made by people such as you.

[Saudi Stepford Wife]

There's an internet crackdown of mammoth proportions going on right now. Everything from images to joke websites are being blocked. I'd heard some of the buzz before this point but I've just really started feeling it this week. Looks like it's gonna get harder and harder to network with like-minded individuals but as you said, "you can never bring an end to a resilient spirit".

[MSK]

Ya Aya,

It's there. It works. I got a "currently down for maintenance" page that directed me to the main page (http://www.muntdiatna.com/main/index.php)

No idea what the glitch was when you tried to access it.

--MSK

[Aya]

MSK, it has been down for few days. I am glad it is still exists. Hope it lasts!

[Northern Shewolf]

Dear Aya,
Seen today in my newspaper a pretty thorough report of the 172 people arrested in KSA this past week, don't you think that the tightening of the voices and supression of liberals has something to do with this? According to Canwest News Service, where I got my main news from, this was an operation in the works for some time...
Here is one link: http://www.muslimnews.co.uk/news/news.php?article=12662

[Amerabian]

Even though I am not as big fan of that network or *some* of its members, I totally support diversity of thought and way of life among people.. Could they have pissed off *someone* ? ;)

[Amerabian]

Even though I am not as big fan of that network or *some* of its members, I totally support diversity of thought and way of life among people.. Could they have pissed off *someone* ? ;)