News / Politics

IRGC condemns Saudi execution of Shia cleric

Sunday, 03 January 2016 6:48 AM [ Last Update: Sunday, 03 January 2016 6:49 AM ]

File photo shows a protester taking part in a demonstration in the Yemeni capital Sana’a on October 18, 2014, outside the Saudi embassy against the death sentence on prominent Shia cleric, Nimr al-Nimr (portrait). ©AFP

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has strongly condemned the execution of prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, saying the move by the regime in Riyadh is reminiscent of atrocities carried out by Daesh Takfiri terrorists.

In a statement on Saturday, the IRGC said the execution serves the interests of Zionism in deepening rifts among Shias and Sunnis, which, however, will be thwarted through wisdom and unity of the Muslim world.

The IRGC statement added that Sheikh Nimr’s execution violated freedom of expression and human rights.

On Saturday, the Saudi Interior Ministry announced that Sheikh Nimr along with 46 other people, who were convicted of being involved in “terrorism” and adopting a “Takfiri” ideology, had been executed.

The move, the IRGC statement said, bears resemblance to acts of terror conducted by Daesh Takfiri terrorists, who are the flag-bearer of the Wahabbi-Salafist ideology.

The IRGC statement emphasized that Nimr’s execution would undoubtedly cost Saudi Arabia dearly.

“The international organizations and bodies advocating human rights and freedom of speech are expected to avoid a dual and contradictory approach and take a prompt stance against this savage crime and fulfill their duty by condemning it strongly,” the statement noted.

The IRGC said the Shia cleric’s killing will soon lead to the collapse of the terrorist-nurturing and anti-Islam Saudi regime.

Sheikh Nimr, a critic of the Riyadh regime, was arrested in 2012 in the Qatif region of Shia-dominated Eastern Province, which was the scene of peaceful anti-regime demonstrations at the time.

He was charged with instigating unrest and undermining the kingdom’s security, making anti-government speeches and defending political prisoners. He had rejected all the charges as baseless.

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