In an effort to quell anti-monarchy protests, Saudi Arabia has offered to buy the Facebook page of youth organizers of the 'Day of Rage' protests but the offer was rejected.
Some reports suggest that the kingdom has offeres USD 20,000 for the page. However, News.am reported that Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has offered to buy Facebook entirely for USD 150 billion.
This is while the social networking website is worth an estimated USD 50 billion.
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has turned down the offer.
The 'Day of Rage' rally was planned for Friday but Saudi authorities deployed hundreds of police in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and other main cities ahead of the event, the Associated Press reported.
Despite the heavy security presence across the country, about 500 protesters showed up in the cities of Hufuf, Qatif and Awamiya. At least ten people were arrested.
On Thursday, Saudi police opened fire on a protest rally in the eastern city of Qatif, injuring at least three Shia protesters. Witnesses say police also beat demonstrators with batons.
The protesters are calling for the release of forgotten political prisoners, who they say are being held unjustly, without charges.
More than 32,000 people had backed the 'Day of Rage' protests on Facebook called for March 11.
Facebook has been credited with helping the popular revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt.
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