Saudi Forces Prevent Friday Prayers in Shia Region
According to Khaybar newspaper, the forces stormed the al-Rasul al-Azam (PBUH) Mosque in al-Ahsaa and closed the doors after forcing everyone out.
They did not allow the Shias worshippers to hold Friday prayers in the mosque.
The report said the move was made in reaction to the mosque’s prayers leader, Sheikh Hussein al-Radhi’s criticism of the Saudi authorities over last month’s execution of prominent cleric, Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.
Saudi Arabia’s execution of 47 prisoners, including Sheikh Nimr, drew global condemnation on January 2.
Sheikh Nimr had been detained in July 2012 on charges of delivering anti-regime speeches and defending political prisoners.
He was a vocal supporter of the mass pro-democracy protests against Riyadh, which erupted in Eastern Province in 2011, where the Shia majority has long complained of marginalization.
