Riyadh Executes Senior Shia Cleric

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Saudi Arabia said it has executed prominent Shia cleric Ayatollah Nimr al-Nimr on charges of terrorism.

Lebanon’s Daily Star quoted the Saudi interior ministry as saying that the death sentence handed to Sheikh Nimr has been carried out.

In October a Saudi appeals court had upheld the death sentence and referred it to King Salman’s office for a final decision.

Accused of delivering anti-regime speeches and defending political prisoners, Sheikh Nimr was detained in July 2012 following demonstrations that erupted in Qatif region, Saudi Arabia.

His arrest sparked widespread protests in the Arab country, leaving several people dead.