Saudi Arabia executed dissident Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr along with other 46 people Saturday along with three other Shiites signalling the country would not be tolerating attacks by either Sunni jihadists or members of Shiite minority seeking equality.
The big move of Saudi Arabia has welcomed protests from Shiites across the region.
Nimr, commonly known as Sheikh Nimr, is convicted of inciting sectarian strife and several other charges. He was popular among the youths and was critical of the Saudi Arabian government. He was arrested on 8th July 2012 after getting gunshot in his leg by police in exchange of gunfire.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the politicians in Saudi Arabia would face divine retribution for the death of Nimr. He described the execution as a political error.
Khamenei said, “The unjustly spilled blood of this oppressed martyr will no doubt soon show its effect and divine vengeance will befall Saudi politicians.”
He also criticized the silence of backers of freedom, democracy and human rights now.
Meanwhile, the Western human rights groups have condemned the executions, but the Western government has been in silence mode so far.
The US State Department has expressed concern the executions may exacerbate sectarian tensions in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia must show restraint regarding respect for human rights.