Saudi Shiite Cleric Appeals against Death Sentence
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr, a prominent Shiite cleric in Saudi Arabia, launched an appeal against a Saudi court’s verdict, which sentenced him to death.
Sheikh Nimr has lodged a formal complaint against the verdict and the case will be referred to an appeal court, in which five judges will decide on the death sentence, Alriyadh newspaper reported.
On October 17, Nimr was sentenced to death at the Specialized Criminal Court in the Saudi capital Riyadh.
He has been charged with disturbing the oil-rich monarchy's security, giving anti-regime speeches, insulting King Abdullah in Friday Prayers sermons, and defending the political prisoners.
In reaction to the controversial sentence, people took to streets in the city of Qatif in Eastern Province to condemn the move.
Amnesty International has called the death sentence “appalling,” saying the verdict should be quashed.
Sheikh Nimr is the Imam of al-Awamiyya mosque in Qatif and has spent most of his two-year detention in solitary confinement at the al-Ha’ir prison in Riyadh, according to Amnesty International.
Saudi Arabia has reportedly sentenced 25 other people to death on such charges as giving speeches critical of the Al Saud and participating in protests against the ruling family.
