Execution of Sheikh Nimr, Saudi-Israeli Plot: US Scholar

“The Saudi regime is an instrument of Zionism and imperialism. It does what they say. As the events in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen having taken a turn for the worst for the Saudi ruling clan, they have sought a closer working relationship with the Israelis,” Muhammad al-Asi, Imam of Washington Islamic Center, told Tasnim.

He added that the execution of Sheikh al-Nimr “falls into this combined Saudi-Israeli alliance”.

Referring to the incarceration of leading Nigerian Shiite cleric Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky as well as death of hundreds of Shiites in the hands of Nigerian troops, al-Asi said, “Also within the workings of this alliance is the attack on Sheikh Ibrahim al-Zakzaky and the killing of hundreds of innocent Nigerian Muslims who belong the Zakzaky's Islamic Movement -- among them are three of his children who were martyred.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, the American scholar warned Israel, in coordination with Al Saud, is “resorting to getting back at Islamic Iran through assassination strikes at the Islamic periphery”.

He described the recent cold blooded murder and military assaults against innocent, peace-loving and justice seeking Muslims, including the killing of Sheikh Nimr, as the latest targets in the Israeli approach.

“I hesitate to say it but I expect that there will be other "hits" on Islamic personalities and figures in the coming months if not weeks,” al-Asi concluded.

Saudi Arabia’s execution of 47 prisoners, including Sheikh Nimr, drew global condemnation on January 2.

The executions took place in 12 cities in Saudi Arabia, four prisons using firing squads and the others beheading. The bodies were then hanged from gibbets in the most severe form of punishment available in the kingdom's law.

Sheikh Nimr had been detained in July 2012 on charges of delivering anti-regime speeches and defending political prisoners.