Large numbers of demonstrators in Saudi Arabia have staged a fresh massive rally, demanding the immediate release of prominent Shia scholar, Ayatollah Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.
On Friday, people in the city of Awamiyah in the oil-rich Eastern Province once poured out onto the streets again to call on Saudi authorities to immediately release the highly-revered Shia cleric, who has been in prison for over three years.
The angry protesters also denounced the ongoing imprisonment of Sheikh al-Nimr and other political prisoners.
The protesters also carried placards of al-Nimr and chanted slogans against the rule of Al Saud dynasty.
The cleric was attacked and arrested in Qatif in July 2012, and has been charged with disturbing the kingdom’s security, making anti-government speeches, and defending political prisoners.
Sheikh al-Nimr had often publicly spoken against rampant corruption and discrimination commonly practiced by Saudi authorities.
A Saudi court had earlier sentenced Sheikh Nimr to death, triggering international outrage, particularly among Shia communities.
There have been numerous demonstrations in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province since 2011, with the protesters calling for political reform and an end to widespread discrimination. A number of people have been killed and many have been injured or arrested during the demonstrations.
The monarchy has intensified the repression not only against Shia Muslims, but also on Sunnis and other dissident voices.
International human rights organizations have criticized Saudi Arabia for failing to address the rights situation in the kingdom. They say Saudi Arabia has persistently implemented repressive policies that stifle freedom of expression, association and assembly.
Activists say there are over 30,000 political prisoners in Saudi Arabia.
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/05/08/410111/Middle-East-Saudi-Arabia-Sheikh-alNimr-rally-human-rights
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