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In an unusual moment in Saudi Arabia’s recent history, a youth group calling itself the “Free Masked Men Movement” has announced its emergence within Saudi Arabia—specifically from Mecca and Riyadh—as a protest against what it describes as growing repression and authoritarianism under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Despite the individual videos, there is no sign or concrete detail on the emergence of a popular and discreet movement against MBS leadership in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi authorities have not released any statement on the case, which remains a mere social media speculation.
The so-called announcement came through a series of mysterious and unclear videos circulating on social media, showing masked individuals—claiming to be Saudi nationals—expressing discontent with the current leadership and warning of mass protests if political arrests do not stop.
The footage has sparked widespread controversy both inside and outside the Kingdom, fueling debate over the authenticity, motives, and potential impact of this anonymous group.
"We will take to the streets if you don't stop throwing people in jail," one of the masked figures says in a recent clip. The group refers to itself as "Al-Mulathamun Al-Ahrar," Free Masked Men Movement.
These videos, which appear to be filmed inside the Kingdom, have prompted a wave of backlash from many Saudi citizens who denounce the messages as false, provocative, and unrepresentative.
Critics argue that the individuals behind the masks are not Saudis at all, but rather foreign actors or impostors trying to tarnish the country's image.
Social media platforms are now flooded with reactions, many of them strongly patriotic. One widely circulated comment reads: "The truth shines as bright as the sun at noon—our nation is united in heart and soul. We are a people of peace, led by a leadership we trust, in a land governed by the Quran and serving the Two Holy Mosques."
With the Kingdom under global scrutiny on issues ranging from economic reforms to human rights, the emergence of this mysterious group raises key questions: Is this a genuine grassroots movement? Or an orchestrated attempt to destabilize public opinion?
For now, the masked figures remain in the shadows, unverified, unconfirmed, and deeply polarizing.
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