Riyadh Likely to Execute Opposition Figure, European Diplomats Say
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Unnamed European diplomatic sources said Saudi Arabia intends to carry out the death sentence of prominent Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, who has been in detention for nearly three years on political charges.
According to the diplomats, Riyadh informed Washington of its decision to implement the death sentence of the opposition leader on Thursday, May 14.
They said the issue was raised in a recent meeting between US Secretary of State John Kerry and Muhammad bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the new heir to the Saudi throne.
The diplomatic sources also warned about the consequences of the Saudi regime's possible move, saying that it would definitely trigger public outrage in the oil-rich kingdom, particularly in the Shiite-majority regions.
The reports come as massive anti-Saudi rallies are planned to be held across the world on May 16 in support of Sheikh Nimr.
Human rights activists have urged the Al Saud regime to immediately revoke Sheikh Nimr's death sentence and release him.
Back in early March, a Saudi Arabian appeal court approved the death penalty of the prominent cleric.
Sheikh Nimr was detained in July 2012 following demonstrations that erupted in the country's Qatif region. He is accused of delivering anti-regime speeches and defending political prisoners.
His arrest sparked widespread protests in the Arab country.
In October 2014, Sheikh Nimr's family reported that a Saudi judge has found him guilty of "sedition" and sentenced him to death.
Activists say there are over 30,000 political prisoners in Saudi Arabia.
International human rights organizations have criticized Saudi Arabia for failing to address the rights situation in the kingdom. They say Riyadh has persistently implemented repressive policies that stifle freedom of expression, association and assembly.
