Saudi Courts Uphold Ayatollah Nimr’s Death Sentence
According to Jahina newspaper, which belongs to Shias in Qatif region of Saudi Arabia, the death sentence has been referred to the interior ministry and then the king’s office for the final go-ahead.
Nimr’s lawyer, Sadeq al-Jubran, has also said that Nimr could be executed as soon as the Saudi monarch approves his sentence.
Some media outlets have even reported that Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef has already signed the verdict.
The UK-based rights group Amnesty International has called Nimr’s trial “deeply flawed” and the death sentence “appalling,” saying the verdict has to be quashed.
Ayatollah Nimr has been in detention since July 2012.
He was arrested following demonstrations that erupted in Qatif region. He is accused of delivering anti-regime speeches and defending political prisoners.
His arrest has sparked widespread protests in the Arab country, leaving several people dead.
Last October, Sheikh Nimr’s family reported that a Saudi judge has found him guilty of “sedition” and sentenced him to death.
http://iqna.ir/fa/News/3393576
