Several people sustained injuries on Friday after Saudi security forces opened fire at protesters holding a rally in the eastern city of Qatif, eastern Saudi Arabia.

The attack came after thousands of protesters took to the streets of Qatif demanding the release of political prisoners and the end of the Al Saud regime. According to reports, many demonstrators were also arrested.

On Thursday night, thousands of demonstrators staged another rally during which at least one protester was injured.

The arrest of Shia cleric Sheikh Nemr al-Nemr on July 8 has sharply escalated tensions in the oil-producing eastern province .

Al-Nemr's family members say the cleric has been tortured in prison. Sheikh Nemr has been on hunger strike since July 19.

Activists accused Saudi forces of killing two demonstrators early July during an anti-regime protest. The victims were identified as Akbar Hassan Shakhouri and Mohammedredha Felfel.

The eastern province, where live about 2 millions Shiite Muslims, has been experiencing turmoil since March 2011. They demand the end of discrimination against the Shiite community and the release of political prisoners.

Photos and videos from 26/07/2012