Saudi Arabia: Information on security measures (such as curfews) adopted by Saudi authorities in the city of Riyadh during the Persian Gulf War of 1991
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 September 1994 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | SAU18417.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Saudi Arabia: Information on security measures (such as curfews) adopted by Saudi authorities in the city of Riyadh during the Persian Gulf War of 1991, 1 September 1994, SAU18417.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6acab24.html [accessed 20 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Although they do not refer to curfews, sources currently available to the DIRB do report on security measures adopted by Saudi authorities in the city of Riyadh during the Persian Gulf War. Reporting on the restrictions placed on foreign journalists in Dhahran and Riyadh, the attached Reuters article quotes an NBC correspondent as stating that "you can't go anywhere without an escort you can't talk to anyone without someone perched on your shoulder having eye contact with the people you're talking to..." (25 Jan. 1991). The article also quotes a British correspondent as stating that "[i]t's not surprising that [foreign journalists] go out on their own because it's so difficult to get permission to do anything" (ibid.).
An Amnesty International report written after the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait refers to the imposition of work and visa restrictions on Yemeni nationals, "who ... in the past [were] exempt from these restrictions" (1 Nov. 1990, 2). It also reports the arrest of an unspecified number of Yemenis in several Saudi cities, including Riyadh (ibid.).
The following information might be useful, although it does not directly refer to the security measures in Riyadh.
Middle East International reports that in February 1991, Saudi authorities issued
new, more restrictive rules governing journalists covering the war. "Failure to abide by these regulations [would] result in a withdrawal of press accreditation and possible deportation," according to the new rules which restricted access to military activity exclusively to members of the official American, British and French "combat" pools (22 Mar. 1991, 18).
The attached text of a February 1991 statement of the Saudi minister of the interior mentions the severe punishment imposed on individuals "proven to have perpetrated or contributed to any act of anarchy, sabotage, or aggression against lives and property" of Saudis or foreign residents in Saudi Arabia (Domestic Service 5 Feb. 1991).
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find attached the list of sources consulted in researching this information request.
References
Amnesty International. 1 November 1990. Saudi Arabia: Torture, Detention, and Arbitrary Arrests. (AI Index: MDE 23/09/90). London: Amnesty International.
Domestic Service [Riyadh, in Arabic]. 5 February 1991. "Ministry Warns Against 'Anarchy,' 'Sabotage,." (FBIS-NES-91-024 5 Feb. 1991, p. 10)
Middle East International [London]. 22 March 1991. "Twenty-Eight Days in Brief: Feb. 19."
Reuters. 25 January 1991. BC Cycle. Mariam Isa. "War Press Complains of Reporting Restrictions." (NEXIS)
Attachments
Amnesty International. 1 November 1990. Saudi Arabia: Torture, Detention, and Arbitrary Arrests. (AI Index: MDE 23/09/90). London: Amnesty International, pp. 2-5.
Domestic Service [Riyadh, in Arabic]. 5 February 1991. "Ministry Warns Against 'Anarchy,' 'Sabotage,." (FBIS-NES-91-024 5 Feb. 1991, p. 10)
Middle East International [London]. 22 March 1991. "Twenty-Eight Days in Brief: Feb. 19," p. 18.
Reuters. 25 January 1991. BC Cycle. Mariam Isa. "War Press Complains of Reporting Restrictions." (NEXIS)
