Iranian MP: Nimr’s Execution to Create Global Protests against Riyadh
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A senior Iranian lawmaker slammed Riyadh for imposing death sentence on top Shiite figure Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, warning that his execution will result in global protests against the regime of Saudi Arabia.
“It is natural that in case of Ayatollah Nimr’s execution, protests against the Saudi Arabian regime would not be confined to the country anymore,” Mohammad Esmaili, a member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission told the Tasnim News Agency on Sunday.
“Saudis’ big mistake is that they think they can stop popular protests against the regime while the protests would definitely spread across the world,” he noted.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran, as a defender of the rights of the oppressed people, cannot remain silent about such a grave crime,” the Iranian lawmaker said.
He also deplored the silence of self-proclaimed advocates of freedom of speech on this issue, saying that they want freedom only for themselves.
Sheikh Nimr was detained in July 2012 following demonstrations that erupted in February 2011 in Qatif region. He is accused of delivering anti-regime speeches and defending political prisoners.
His arrest has sparked widespread protests in Saudi Arabia, leaving several people dead.
Sheikh Nimr’s family reported on Wednesday that a Saudi judge has found him guilty of “sedition” and sentenced him to death.
