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Top Saudi cleric defends executions – YouTube
Saudi Arabia’s execution of prominent Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr has infuriated the kingdom’s Shia community.
Protesters in Eastern Province are marching from the town of Awamiyah to Qatif, in condemnation of the provocative move. Saudi forces have beefed up security in Qatif. Sheikh Nimr’s brother has called for peaceful protests and noted that the cleric was opposed to violence. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s top cleric Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Sheikh has defended the executions. Saudi authorities announced the execution of Nimr, three Shia activists and over 40 other convicts on Saturday.
Sunni, Shia figures condemn execution of Nimr
Iran summons Saudi charge D’affaires over Nimr execution
Saudi Arabia’s execution of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr has led to a widespread outcry in Iran. In an official reaction to the move, Tehran has summoned the Kingdom’s charge d’affaires.
The Foreign Ministry has submitted a note of protest to the Saudi diplomat. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hossein Jaberi-Ansari has condemned the execution of Sheik Nimr, saying Saudi Arabia supports terrorists but executes its critics.
Jaberi-Ansari warned that Riyadh will pay a high price for adopting such irresponsible policies. Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has also described the execution as brutal. Larijani said that Riyadh has created a vortex of problems from which it cannot easily free itself . Meanwhile, people have gathered outside the Saudi Embassy in northern Tehran to voice their anger over the killing. Iranian seminary students have also staged a protest rally in the city of Qom.