Int’l Campaign Mounted in Solidarity with Jailed Saudi Cleric
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – An international campaign was mounted in solidarity with prominent Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr, with peaceful demonstrations held in more than 20 countries around the globe to condemn the Saudi regime’s death sentence against the cleric.
The peaceful protests started on Friday, July 31, in Auckland, New Zealand, with more rallies held in the Mexican capital, as well as in other cities across the world, including Sydney, Australia, and the German capital of Berlin.
In the rallies, protesters voiced their outrage over the continued imprisonment of Sheikh Nimr by Riyadh and called for his immediate release.
During the rally held near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on Sunday, protesters carried anti-Saudi placards to condemn the oil-rich kingdom’s decision to execute Sheikh Nimr.
Unnamed European diplomatic sources have said that Saudi Arabia intends to carry out the death sentence of Sheikh Nimr.
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 has been charged with disturbing the kingdom's security, delivering anti-government speeches, and defending political prisoners.
His arrest sparked widespread protests in the Arab country.