Iran Warns: Execution of Sheikh Nimr to Cost Saudi Dearly

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Iran warned on Sunday that the execution of leader of pro-democracy protests, Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, would cost Riyadh dearly, shortly after Saudi court confirmed the death sentence against the Shiite cleric.

One of Shekh Nimr’s brothers said that the death sentence was confirmed against the prisoned cleric.

"After the confirmation of Sheikh Nimr's death sentence by the Court of Appeal and then the Supreme Court, his life is in the hands of King Salman who can endorse the sentence or suspend the execution," said Mohammed al-Nimr.

He warned his brother's execution "could provoke reactions that we do not want, as Sheikh Nimr had supporters in the Shiite areas of the Islamic world".

Among those sentenced to death, "three, including my son Ali, were minors at the time of arrest" for involvement in pro-democracy protests that erupted in the Eastern Province in the wake of the Arab Spring, Sheikh Nimr’s brother told AFP.

The case of Ali al-Nimr, in particular, has aroused strong reactions around the world, with many asking the Saudi authorities to grant the young Shiite a stay the execution.

For its part, Tehran warned that the Saudi move could have dire consequences.

Deputy foreign minister for Arab and African said that if Riyadh will venture and carry out the unjust verdict, it will cost the Saudi regime very dearly.

Abdollahian who was reacting to the reports on near future execution of the prominent clergy said that the reports in that respect cause very deep concern, IRNA news agency reported.

Meanwhile, the Iranian diplomat said that the Saudis have still not offered any convincing reply to the existing questions on Mina disaster, which led to death of thousands of pilgrims from some 24 Islamic countries.

'The series of catastrophic events in this year's Hajj pilgrimage coupled with the incompetent military invasion of Saudi Arabia against the innocent Yemeni people prove that the conditions in that country are inappropriate,' he said.

Abdollahian added that the provocative and tribal approaches adopted by the Saudi regime against its own citizens, too, will not be to the benefit of the Riyadh regime.

“The Saudi officials have unfortunately resorted to adventurist policies against both their own citizens and the nations in other regional countries, while they are expected to act justly and based on sound and rational policies,” emphasized the Iranian deputy FM.

Source: Agencies	25-10-2015 - 21:31 Last updated 25-10-2015 - 21:31

KSA’s Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence on Sheikh Al-Nimr 

Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has rejected an appeal against the death sentence passed earlier this year on the Ayatollah Sheik Nimr al-Nimr, who had called for pro-democracy demonstrations and whose arrest in 2012 sparked protests in which three people were martyred.

Nimr's brother Mohammed said the sentence had been upheld after hearings that took place without his lawyers or family members being given prior notice. His fate now rests with King Salman, who is empowered to issue a pardon.

Nimr and six other Saudi Shias, including his nephew Ali, have been sentenced to death and then to have their bodies put on public display in the most severe penalty in the kingdom.

"We don't want anything to happen to him or to Ali or the other young men," Mohammed al-Nimr said.

More than 20 civilians were martyred in demonstrations in the Eastern province district of Qatif between 2011 and 2013, called in protest against sectarian discrimination, Riyadh's role in ending protests in Bahrain and the fate of previously detained local people.

Three were killed in protests in the two days after Nimr's arrest, along with a police officer.

Nimr had long been regarded as the most vocal Shia leader in Qatif, willing to publicly criticize the ruling al-Saud family and call for elections. He was, however, careful to avoid calling for violence.

Iran's deputy foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said in an interview with state TV on Sunday that "the execution of Sheikh Nimr would mean Saudi Arabia facing a heavy cost".

Last week the British prime minister, David Cameron, said he did not expect Ali al-Nimr to be executed.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team

26-10-2015 | 10:59

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