The residents of Al-Qatif Governorate reiterated that the governorate is part of the Kingdom and that national unity is off-limits to all and no one can disrupt and tamper with the social fabric of society. They said those who attempt to do so will fail.

Resident Muhammad Salim described the situation as stable and said stores are open late at night and residents feel secure and go about their daily lives as usual. Mansour Salman said the people of the governorate stand united against any attempts to undermine national unity and citizenship of residents. “The people of Al-Qatif have proven their unshakable loyalty to the country and leadership.”

Resident Wesam Zaki said the people of Al-Qatif are no different from residents of other regions. They always denounce actions which seek to cause sedition and weaken society. Moreover, they are always ready to protect the country against any foreign threats and dangers.

Abdullah Al-Ateen, said King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Crown Prince Salman and Prince Ahmed, Minister of Interior, are keen to provide the governorate and its residents with everything they need. “We support all procedures our government takes to improve our society.”
Intellectual Saud Al-Masoud said all members of Al-Qatif’s society have reiterated their unending loyalty to the Kingdom and vowed to defend it with their hearts and souls. “They are determined to fight anyone who would jeopardize loyalty and national unity of this country.”

Sheikh Hussein Al-Bayat, a scholar in Al-Qatif, said all Shiite and Sunni Muslims are required to protect state security against seditious attempts and should respond immediately to any differences that might undermine “our brotherhood feelings as Muslims. The people of this region were raised to love their country from an early age; therefore, they refuse to accept any attempts which seek to affect this love.”

Sheikh Muhammad Al-Jirani, chief justice of the Inheritance Court in the Governorate called for fighting those who attempt to cause sedition and differences among the people of the country. “We should unite and form one line to defend our national unity. The people of Al-Qatif form an integral part of this precious country and they are proud to be citizens of this country.”
“Security and safety are important for any human being; Allah the Almighty has blessed the Kingdom with security and safety. Besides, the leadership exerts great efforts to improve the living conditions and other social aspects of all citizens. As Muslims, we have a duty to defend this country and protect its security to prevent instigators from causing any sedition. Instigators and those who want to disturb public peace and security should be dealt with strictly as the Shariah stipulates,” said Al-Jirani.

The arrest of instigator Nimr Al-Nimr revealed the love citizens have for their country. Many citizens expressed their happiness that security forces caught him. Users on social networking sites sent messages expressing their loyalty to the leadership and concerns about the security of the country.
The messages showed that citizens are aware that some instigators seek to cause sedition acting on the orders of foreign powers.

A large number of sheikhs and newspaper columnists also denounced all forms of sedition. Muhammad Al-Oraifi said Al-Nimr does not only hate the companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) but also hates his country. Nasser Al-Omar said arresting Al-Nimr sent a strong message to all his partners that their turn will come next.

Columnist Muhammad Al-Shehri said anyone who thinks about destabilizing the Kingdom and agitating citizens against the leadership will face the same fate because state security is a red line. Those who act on Iranian orders and who are agents for Iran will lose.”

Jamal Khashoggi, general manager and editor-in-chief of Al Arab News Channel, said that the fact that Al-Nimr resisted arrest shows his fundamentalist and extremist mentality. “He is not after reforms, he is an outlaw.”