Activists in 20 Countries Call for Release of Saudi Shia Cleric
TEHRAN (IQNA) – 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 approved the death penalty of the prominent cleric.
