The Arab Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) on Sunday said Saudi authorities have arrested Osama Meshref, a coordinator for the National Association for Change (NAC). The NAC was formed earlier this year by former UN nuclear chief and Egyptian political reformist Mohamed ElBaradei. The ANHRI said authorities detained Meshref while heading from Riyadh to Mecca. The NAC coordinator allegedly intended to imminently launch a campaign pressing for Egyptian democratic reform dubbed “You're the solution”. Meshref previously posted a Youtube video urging Egyptians to rally behind democratic reform. He also encouraged Egyptians to not fear the security apparatus. According to the ANHRI, Meshref anticipated arrest. Meshref was transferred to al-Melz prison, ANHRI said, adding that the NAC member expects to be deported back to Egypt. In April, Kuwaiti security authorities deported around 41 members of the ElBaradei presidential campaign. Kuwaiti authorities explained at the time that the deported Egyptians violated Kuwaiti laws prohibiting certain public gatherings and vilification of the Egyptian head of state. The Saudi government shut down the NAC official website, only 15 hours after it launched. The NAC calls for an end to the state of emergency. It also champions judicial and civil society election monitoring and enabling Egyptian expats the right to vote.
