Saudi Arabia has no independent media, the authorities tolerate neither political parties, unions, nor human rights groups, and the level of self-censorship is extremely high. The Internet is the only space where freely-reported information and views can circulate, albeit at great risk to its citizen journalists. Like professional journalists, they are watched closely and critical comments are liable to lead to arrest and trial under the country’s terrorism or cyber-crime laws. Blasphemy, insulting religion, inciting chaos, and defaming the king and the state are the most frequent charges brought against those who show a desire to report the truth. They are also liable to be mistreated in prison or subjected to barbaric punishments such as flogging.