Saudi Shiite scholar warns against al-Nimr's excution

Rasa – A Saudi Shi’a scholar in Qom stressed that if this death sentence on Sheikh al-Nimr is carried out, there will be severe consequences for Saudi Arabia and the House of Saud, and warned this regime not to make any “stupid moves” against Ayatollah al-Nimr.

News ID: 3534

Date: 02 November 2015 - 20:19

RNA – Speaking to Rasa News, Hujjat al-Islam Abdul-Majid al-Baqshi, a Saudi Shi’a scholar, referred to the Saudi Interior Ministry’s upholding of its death sentence on Ayatollah Nimr al-Nimr saying that by announcing this death sentence on Ayatollah al-Nimr, the House of Saud seeks to change the grave situation facing the kingdom, put pressure on the people and suppress the protestors and those who demand freedom in their country.

On October 25, the Saudi court upheld a death sentence that was issued against the renowned cleric last year. The execution warrant will be sent to Saudi King Salman ibn Abdul-Aziz al-Saud to be approved and then carried out. The execution of Ayatollah al-Nimr can be carried out by the Interior Ministry without any prior warning if the Saudi king signs the order.

Hujjat al-Islam al-Baqshi added that Ayatollah al-Nimr has committed no crime except supporting the oppressed people of Saudi Arabia who are seeking their stolen rights, however the Saudi regime has charged him with undermining their kingdom’s security, making anti-government speeches, and defending political prisoners, which he has denied.

The Saudi scholar stated that Ayatollah al-Nimr is one of the important Shi’a clerics in Saudi Arabia and reiterated that the protests currently taking place in the country are aimed at pressing the government to uphold the rights of this scholar.

The demonstrators have pledged to continue their campaign until the verdict is overturned.

He stressed that if this death sentence is carried out, there will be severe consequences for Saudi Arabia and the House of Saud, and warned this regime not to make any “stupid moves” against Ayatollah al-Nimr.

The founder of Qom’s Aal al-Bayt University stated that the Saudi government is one of the branches of the Zionist regime and added: “If the clergy were united, the House of Saudi would not dare to execute Ayatollah al-Nimr.”

Hujjat al-Islam al-Baqshi added that the scholars of the Islamic world must not leave Ayatollah al-Nimr behind and stated that by issuing statements, writing letters to the Saudi government, giving lectures and holding meetings, their protests will be heard.

His Eminence stated that this death sentence is an insult to the religion of Islam and said that wisdom, common sense and humanity dictates that we don’t take the side of the oppressors and that we support the oppressed.

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