( CNN ) -- Protesters staged fresh demonstrations in Saudi Arabia on Friday , calling on the government to release Shiite prisoners and grant more rights , human rights activists said . The protests , which were peaceful , also called for the withdrawal of regional forces from neighboring Bahrain , according to the activists , who requested their names not be used because they had concerns for their safety . All the protesters were Shiite . The protests took place in the city of Qatif and the village of Awamiyya , both in the country 's Eastern Province , and each the scene of similar protests in March . In Qatif , about 200 people marched through the streets , chanting for the release of the prisoners , the activists said . Some carried Bahraini flags in a 90-minute march that some said was in solidarity with Bahrainis . In Awamiyya , more than 150 Shiite men and women marched for the release of prisoners and for the withdrawal of Gulf Cooperation Council forces from Bahrain . As in Qatif , some protesters carried Bahraini flags . Several members of the council have sent troops to Bahrain to help Manama quell anti-government protests . The protesters in Awamiyya also called for human rights in a march that lasted just over an hour . In both places , security forces were present but did n't interfere , the activists said . CNN was unable to reach the Saudi Interior Ministry for comment . The issue of Shiite prisoners and a demand for more rights have been the focus of similar protests in Saudi Arabia in the past two months , although fewer demonstrations have taken place in recent weeks . Others have demonstrated for the creation of a constitutional monarchy and other reforms .
Demonstrators call for human rights and the release of Shiite prisoners . They also call for the withdrawal of forces from Bahrain . The protests are peaceful .