Categories: Hard NewsReligion

Activists in 20 countries call for release of Saudi Shia cleric

Rallies were staged in Colombia, Switzerland, the US, Germany, Iran, Bahrain, New Zealand, Canada, France, Ghana and Lebanon, among others.

Human rights activists in 20 countries held rallies on Saturday in solidarity with Saudi Shia cleric Ayatollah Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.

They called on Saudi authorities to revoke the death sentence for Sheikh Nimr and immediately release the senior cleric, al-Akhbar daily reported.

The rallies were staged in Colombia, Switzerland, the US, Germany, Iran, Bahrain, New Zealand, Canada, France, Ghana and Lebanon, among others.

Sheikh Nimr was detained in July 2012 following demonstrations that erupted in Saudi Arabia’s Qatif region.

He was accused of delivering anti-regime speeches and defending political prisoners.

His arrest sparked widespread protests in the Arab country.

A Saudi court later sentenced Sheikh Nimr to death, and, in March this year, an appeal court upheld the death penalty of the prominent cleric.

Emad Askarieh

Emad Askarieh has worked as a journalist since 2002. The main focus of his work is foreign policy and world diplomacy. He started his career at Iran Front Page Media Group, and is currently serving as the World Editor and the Vice-President for Executive Affairs at the Iran Front Page (IFP) news website.

Recent Posts

Assad appears to release first statement since fall of Syrian gov’t

Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has dismissed claims that he planned to flee the country…

10 hours ago

Gaza death toll tops 45,000

At least 52 more Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip over…

15 hours ago

EU adopts 15th package of sanctions against Russia over Ukraine war

The Council of the European Union has adopted its 15th package of sanctions against Moscow,…

15 hours ago

South Africa not to invite Putin to G20 summit over ICC arrest warrant

Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be invited to the next G20 summit due to…

15 hours ago

US and UK militaries jointly strike Houthi targets in Yemen

US and UK air forces have conducted air attacks against several targets in western Yemen…

15 hours ago

No lifting of Syria sanctions until rights and unity are guaranteed: EU

The European Union will not lift sanctions on Syria before its new rulers ensure minorities…

15 hours ago