During an interview with UpFront’s Mehdi Hasan, the United Nations ambassador for Saudi Arabia was questioned about the country’s constricting views on citizen involvement in government.

Hasan questioned Abdallah al-Mouallimi about Saudi Arabia’s laws against a citizen calling for a new form of government.

“Why are you okay with an elected government in Syria but not an elected government in Saudi Arabia?”

al-Mouallimi said that the people of Saudi Arabia were fine with their government system how it is. When Hasan asked how the ambassador could know that considering the restrictive laws which prevent speaking out about the government, al-Mouallimi suggested that Hasan go ask people anonymously. He expressed confidence that though the people of Saudi Arabia are given no choice in the matter, they are content with their government.

Watch.

 

Sydney Robinson is a political writer for the Ring of Fire Network. She has also appeared in political news videos for Ring of Fire. Sydney has a degree in English Literature from the University of West Florida, and has an active interest in politics, social justice, and environmental issues. She would love to hear from you on Twitter @SydneyMkay or via email at srobinson@ringoffireradio.com