Iranian clerics condemn Shaykh al-Nimr execution by Riyadh

Rasa – Senior Iranian clerics have condemned Saudi Arabia's execution of prominent Shi’a cleric Shaykh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr despite international calls on Riyadh to revoke the religious figure’s death verdict.

News ID: 3752

Date: 02 January 2016 - 19:21

RNA – Tehran’s interim Friday Prayers leader, Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, said on Saturday the execution is in line with a litany of crimes committed by the Al Saud regime from the onset of its creation.

Ayatollah Khatami, who also serves a member of the Assembly of Experts, highlighted other examples of Riyadh’s criminal acts, including its military campaign against Yemen, which he described as an “eternal stain of shame” in the history of the Al Saud dynasty.

The Saudi campaign against Yemen began on March 26. More than 7,500 people have died in the airstrikes ever since.

“I have no doubt that this pure blood will stain the collar of the House of Saud and wipe them from the pages of history,” the cleric added, calling on the Muslim world to take a stand against the killing of Shaykh al-Nimr.

Meanwhile, Ayatollah Abbas Ka’bi, another member of the Assembly of Experts, denounced the execution, saying the killing shows the Al Saud regime is desperate and no the verge of downfall.

“By executing this revolutionary Shaykh, Al Saud committed a great crime and folly,” he said.

Shaykh al-Nimr, a cleric highly respected by the Saudi Shi’as, was attacked and arrested in the Qatif region of Eastern Province back in 2012 on charges of undermining the kingdom’s security, making anti-government speeches, and defending political prisoners. Shaykh al-Nimr has denied the accusations.

In October 2014, a Saudi court sentenced Shaykh al-Nimr to death, provoking huge condemnations and criticism in the Middle East and the world. The death penalty was upheld by the Saudi court of appeals a year later.

The Shi’a figures’ execution has drawn angry reactions worldwide. Widespread protest rallies are expected to be held around the word to condemn Riyadh, which is already beefing up security in the Shi’a-dominated Qatif region of Eastern Province, according to reports.

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