Bahraini Opposition Urges Riyadh to Free Shiite Cleric
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Bahrain's main opposition group has called on Saudi officials to immediately release the top Shiite figure, Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.
“Ayatollah Nimr is one of those who have stood up for his political, religious, and social rights which have been guaranteed by international law. Such demands should be taken into account without targeting, detaining, and prosecuting individuals,” said Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society.
Al-Wefaq also warned against the consequences of keeping Nimr in jail and underlined that continuation of his imprisonment would further complicate the situation.
The opposition party reiterated that political differences could be settled through dialogue and negotiation.
A court in Saudi Arabia is expected to announce its verdict on Sheikh Nimr on Tuesday. The cleric has been charged with disturbing the country’s security, giving anti-regime speeches, insulting King Abdullah in Friday Prayers sermons, and defending the political prisoners.
Many religious, legal, and political figures across the Islamic countries as well as human rights organizations have so far called the release of Nimr.
Sheikh Nimr, who was attacked, injured and arrested by security forces en route to his house in the Qatif region of Eastern Province on July 8, 2012. He has been kept in jail ever since.