Lebanese Cleric Slams Saudi Death Sentence for Sheikh Nimr
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The secretary general of the International Union of Resistance Clerics in Lebanon warned Riyadh of “consequences” if it goes ahead with the execution of prominent Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr.
“We warn the Saudi Regime about the consequences of Sheikh Nimr’s execution, because carrying out the sentence will mark the beginning of the end for the regime,” Sheikh Maher Hammoud said.
The cleric further described the death sentence handed to Sheikh Nimr as “cruel”, saying that his execution would be tantamount to "the last blow" to the Saudi regime, which has committed many crimes after King Salman took power in the Arab country, including its onslaughts on the “brother country of Yemen”.
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has also called on Riyadh to halt the execution of Sheikh Nimr.
The top cleric was detained in July 2012 following demonstrations that erupted in Qatif region. He is accused of delivering anti-regime speeches and defending political prisoners.
His arrest sparked widespread protests in the Arab country, leaving several people dead.
Last October, Sheikh Nimr’s family reported that a Saudi judge has found him guilty of “sedition” and sentenced him to death.
Ali Mohammed Baqir al-Nimr, the cleric’s nephew, has also been sentenced to death over his alleged role in anti-regime protests in 2012, when he was 17 years old.
