Iranian Parliament's Clerics Warn against Execution of Sheikh Nimr
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A number of cleric members of Iran's parliament warned the Saudi regime against the execution of prominent Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr.
In a statement released on Tuesday, they condemned a reported decision by Saudi Arabia to execute Sheikh Nimr, saying that he has been tried in an "Arab-American" court just for criticizing an "incompetent" Saudi prince.
The legislators warned Saudi officials against the consequences of executing the cleric.
They added that Muslim countries’ scholars are expected to denounce the unfair death sentence handed to the cleric and prevent his execution.
The statement came after unnamed European diplomatic sources said Saudi Arabia intends to carry out the death sentence of Sheikh Nimr on May 14.
Human rights activists have urged the Al Saud regime to immediately revoke Sheikh Nimr's death sentence and release him.
Back in early March, a Saudi Arabian appeal court approved the death penalty of the prominent cleric.
Sheikh Nimr was detained in July 2012 following demonstrations that erupted in the country's Qatif region. He is accused of delivering anti-regime speeches and defending political prisoners.
His arrest sparked widespread protests in the Arab country.
In October 2014, Sheikh Nimr's family reported that a Saudi judge has found him guilty of "sedition" and sentenced him to death.