[Asharq al-Aswat] Hundreds of Omanis demonstrated on Wednesday in support of Sultan Qaboos as more than 400 activists camped outside the Gulf state's consultative council, continuing a series of anti-corruption protests.A procession of some 200 cars drove from central Muscat to the Al-Alam Palace, one of the residences of Qaboos who has ruled Oman since 1970.
"With our blood and souls, we sacrifice ourselves for you, sultan," chanted demonstrators in cars festooned with portraits of Qaboos.
Meanwhile,
...back at the ranch...
some 50 people camped outside Oman's consultative council on Wednesday protesting against corruption and demanding higher wages, an AFP correspondent reported.
Their number later swelled to more than 400.
The protesters, who set up three small tents outside the council, held banners reading: "No to corruption, no to favouritism."
No police presence was reported as the demonstrators vowed to stay until their demands are met by the government.
"Our demands are rightful as Omani citizens," one protester, Muaweya Rashdi, told AFP, a day after the army tanks peacefully dispersed a four-day protest in the northern industrial city of Sohar after at least one protester was killed in festivities with police.
"We are demanding higher wages and social security benefits... We want transparent figures," said the electrician who receives a monthly salary of 200 riyals ($519).
In a move aimed at addressing protesters' grievances, Qaboos has announced the creation of 50,000 new jobs and a monthly allowance of 150 riyals (390 dollars/283 euros) for registered job seekers.