Article

2014-10-16 Arabia

[Dhaka Tribune] A well-known Shiite holy man was sentenced to death yesterday by a court in Soddy Arabia
...a kingdom taking up the bulk of the Arabian peninsula. Its primary economic activity involves exporting oil and soaking Islamic rubes on the annual hajj pilgrimage. The country supports a large number of princes in whatcha might call princely splendor. When the oil runs out the rest of the world is going to kick sand in the Soddy national face...
, sparking fears of renewed unrest from his supporters in the kingdom and neighboring Bahrain.

Sheik Nimr al-Nimr's case has been watched closely by minority Saudi Shiites in the eastern region of the majority Sunni kingdom. The 54-year-old holy man's case was seen as a barometer for Saudi Arabia's handling of Shiite grievances over the past years.

His brother, Mohammed al-Nimr, announced the verdict on Twitter. He had told The News Agency that Dare Not be Named earlier Wednesday that he would be in the courtroom for the verdict. He could not be immediately reached again for comment.

The holy man had faced charges that also include disobeying the ruler, firing on security forces, sowing discord, undermining national unity and interfering in the affairs of a sisterly nation. A statement by the holy man's family described the verdict as discretionary, suggesting that what the court found al-Nimr guilty of could have been eligible for a lighter sentence.

The family said the verdict sets a "dangerous precedent for decades
to come."

Prosecutors asked for execution followed by crucifixion. In Saudi Arabia, most death sentences are carried out by beheading. Crucifixion in this context means the body and head would then be put on display as a warning to others.

Al-Nimr had not denied the political charges against him, but denied ever carrying weapons or calling for violence. He can appeal the sentence.

Public figure and renowned activist Jaafar al-Shayeb in eastern Saudi Arabia said the verdict appears to have been handed down for "sedition" and "incitement" of Shiite protests in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

"There's a big chance there will be a reaction," al-Shayeb said. "There could be protests, marches, statements of condemnation. ... The situation
is tense."

Bahraini authorities on Wednesday painted over pictures of al-Nimr that had been plastered on walls by Shiite supporters there.

Al-Nimr was a key leader of Shiite protests demanding equal rights in 2011. Protests are banned in Saudi Arabia, where many ultraconservatives view Shiites as heretics.

Posted by Fred 2014-10-16 00:00|| || Front Page|| [17 views ] Top
File under: Arab Spring

#1 Execution followed by crucifixion, gosh that's going to leave a scar.

Posted by Steven 2014-10-16 02:31|| 2014-10-16 02:31|| Front Page Top

#2 Our allies the moderates.

Posted by Anice Nim 2014-10-16 13:30|| 2014-10-16 13:30|| Front Page Top

#3 They sharpening the sword?

disobeying the ruler,

Can't you just see the proggies salivating at the thought of being able to execute people for this here in the USofA?

Posted by AlanC 2014-10-16 14:17|| 2014-10-16 14:17|| Front Page Top

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