Saudi Arabia Sentences Death To 15 Convicting Spying For Iran

Fifteen people have been sentenced to death by a Saudi Arabia court Tuesday founding them convicted of spying for Iran.

All the convicted were Saudi nationals and most of them were members of Shiite minority. It is learned the sentences would be appealed.

A total of 32 people were tried over the espionage allegations. Two of them have been acquitted while the rest received prison sentences between 6 to 25 years.

Only one defendants was Iranian and one Afghani where as the rest were Saudis.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Watch dismissed the trial saying it is a mockery of justice as it violated the basic due process.

Following the country cutting diplomatic ties with Iran after the burning of Saudi embassy and a consulate by Iranian demonstrators earlier this year in January the case of the people began.

The protest was against the execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr.

According to prosecutors, the defendants also divulged defence secrets, tried recruiting moles in government departments, sought to commit sabotage and supported riots too in the Shiite-dominated eastern district of Qatif.

Tensions in Saudi Arabia between the leading Shiite and Sunni powers remain high as both supports opposing in the Syria and Yemen conflicts.