Execution of Nimr al-Nimr

{{See also|2016 Saudi Arabia mass execution}}

In October 2014, Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court approved a death sentence for Nimr for disobeying the ruler, inciting sectarian strife, and encouraging, leading and participating in demonstrations.{{cite web|title=Saudi Arabia: Appalling death sentence against Shi'a cleric must be quashed |publisher=Amnesty International |date=15 October 2014 |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/news/saudi-arabia-appalling-death-sentence-against-shi-cleric-must-be-quashed-2014-10-15 |access-date=15 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017235401/http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/saudi-arabia-appalling-death-sentence-against-shi-cleric-must-be-quashed-2014-10-15 |archive-date=17 October 2014 |url-status=live }} According to sources, the main charge was his criticism of Saudi's officials.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-execution-idUSKCN0SJ0LS20151025|title=Saudi court upholds death sentence for Shi'ite cleric|work=Reuters|date=25 October 2015|access-date=30 October 2015|archive-date=29 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029022216/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/10/25/us-saudi-execution-idUSKCN0SJ0LS20151025|url-status=live}}{{cite news | url=http://www.eurasiareview.com/04012016-saudi-arabia-carries-out-largest-mass-execution-since-1980/ | title=Saudi Arabia Carries Out Largest Mass Execution Since 1980 | work=Eurasiareview | date=4 January 2016 | access-date=9 January 2016 | author=Eurasia Review | archive-date=5 March 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305030805/http://www.eurasiareview.com/04012016-saudi-arabia-carries-out-largest-mass-execution-since-1980/ | url-status=live }} On 2 January 2016, the Saudi Arabia government executed 47 prisoners and declared that Nimr had been among them.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/01/saudi-announces-execution-47-terrorists-160102072458873.html|title=Saudi announces execution of 47 'terrorists'|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=2 January 2016|archive-date=26 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226094044/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/01/saudi-announces-execution-47-terrorists-160102072458873.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/saudi-arabia-says-sheikh-nimr-al-nimr-leading-shiite-muslim-cleric-among-47-executed/2016/01/02/7c269600-b124-11e5-b281-43c0b56f61fa_story.html|title=Saudi Arabia says Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, leading Shiite Muslim cleric, among 47 executed|agency=Associated Press|date=2 January 2016|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=2 January 2016|archive-date=26 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226094050/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/saudi-arabia-says-sheikh-nimr-al-nimr-leading-shiite-muslim-cleric-among-47-executed/2016/01/02/7c269600-b124-11e5-b281-43c0b56f61fa_story.html|url-status=dead}}

{{see also|2016 attack on the Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran}}

File:Protest in Mashhad against execution of Nimr al-Nimr (2).jpg in front of the Saudi consulate.]]

Protests were held after Nimr's execution in many cities of the world such as London, Tehran, Chicago, Toronto,{{cite news|last1=Chambers|first1=Bill|title=Chicago Muslims Protest Killings in Nigeria and Execution in Saudi Arabia|url=http://chicagomonitor.com/2016/01/chicago-muslims-protest-killings-in-nigeria-and-execution-in-saudi-arabia/|access-date=9 January 2016|work=chicagomonitor.com|archive-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125152547/http://chicagomonitor.com/2016/01/chicago-muslims-protest-killings-in-nigeria-and-execution-in-saudi-arabia/|url-status=live}} Iranian holy cities of Qom and Mashhad, Iraq,{{citation needed|date=August 2021}} Lebanon, Afghanistan,{{citation needed|date=August 2021}} Pakistan, India's Jammu and Kashmir state, Turkey, and in front of the Saudi Embassy in Athens, Greece{{cite web|url=http://iran-daily.com/News/134519.html|title=Iraqis, Greeks stage protests against Saudi execution of Nimr|access-date=9 January 2016|archive-date=27 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627090814/http://iran-daily.com/News/134519.html|url-status=live}} Washington, United States,{{cite web|url=http://en.alalam.ir/news/1776537|title=Protest outside Saudi Embassy in Washington against Sheikh Nimr's Execution|access-date=9 January 2016|archive-date=27 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627062309/http://en.alalam.ir/news/1776537|url-status=live}} and Canberra, Australia.{{cite web|url=http://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2016/01/07/964509/sheikh-nimr-al-nimr-execution-hundreds-protest-outside-saudi-embassy-in-australia|title=Tasnim News Agency – Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr Execution: Hundreds Protest outside Saudi Embassy in Australia|work=Tasnim News Agency|access-date=9 January 2016|archive-date=29 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129173624/http://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2016/01/07/964509/sheikh-nimr-al-nimr-execution-hundreds-protest-outside-saudi-embassy-in-australia|url-status=live}}

People in the Qatif region of Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province took to the streets with protesters marching from Nimr's hometown of al-Awamiyah to Qatif, chanting: "Down with the Al Saud".{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}

On 2 January, the day of the execution, protesters gathered outside Tehran's Saudi embassy, shouting "death to Al Saud". The embassy was on fire after a Molotov cocktail had been thrown at it. The protests continued beyond 3 am. The embassy was empty during the protests.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/iran-slams-saudi-arabia-s-execution-sheikh-nimr-al-nimr-n489326|title=Iran Slams Saudi Arabia's Execution of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr as Backlash Mounts|author=Cassandra Vinograd|date=3 January 2016 |publisher=NBC News|access-date=3 January 2016|archive-date=27 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427181805/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/iran-slams-saudi-arabia-s-execution-sheikh-nimr-al-nimr-n489326|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2016/01/02/middleeast/saudi-arabia-executes-dozens-terror/|title=Tehran protest after Saudi Arabia executes Shiite cleric – CNN.com|author=Yousuf Basil, Salma Abdelaziz and Michael Pearson, CNN|date=2 January 2016|publisher=CNN|access-date=3 January 2016|archive-date=11 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211102815/https://edition.cnn.com/2016/01/02/middleeast/saudi-arabia-executes-dozens-terror/|url-status=live}} Police donned riot gear and arrested 40 people during the incident.{{cite news|last1=Loveluck|first1=Louisa|title=Iran supreme leader says Saudi faces 'divine revenge'|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/saudiarabia/12077919/Saudi-Arabia-beheadings-highest-in-two-decades.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|archive-date=14 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614015623/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/saudiarabia/12077919/Saudi-Arabia-beheadings-highest-in-two-decades.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last1=Staff writers|title=Farsnews|url=http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941013000588|access-date=4 January 2016|work=en.farsnews.com|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140407/http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941013000588|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2016/01/03/middleeast/saudi-arabia-executes-dozens-terror/|title=Mideast protests rage after Saudi Arabia executes Shia cleric al-Nimr, 46 others|author=Ben Brumfield, Yousuf Basil and Michael Pearson, CNN|date=3 January 2016|publisher=CNN|access-date=3 January 2016|archive-date=6 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306012017/https://edition.cnn.com/2016/01/03/middleeast/saudi-arabia-executes-dozens-terror/|url-status=live}} The Iranian Foreign Ministry has appealed for calm and to respect diplomatic premises.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/nimr-al-nimr-execution-saudi-arabian-embassy-in-tehran-attacked-by-protesters-a6794271.html|title=Nimr al-Nimr execution: Saudi Arabian embassy in Tehran 'attacked by protesters'|author=Will Worley|date=3 January 2016|work=The Independent|access-date=20 September 2017|archive-date=9 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509180050/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/nimr-al-nimr-execution-saudi-arabian-embassy-in-tehran-attacked-by-protesters-a6794271.html|url-status=live}} The day after, protests were held again by hundreds of Iranians in Tehran,{{citation needed|date=August 2021}} and President Rouhani called the damage on the embassy "by no means justifiable". Elsewhere, there were protests in the Iranian holy city of Qom.{{Citation needed|date=June 2021}}

Hundreds of people held a protest rally in the Bahraini capital, Manama.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}} Demonstrators carrying pictures of Sheikh Nimr were involved in a clash with police in the Bahraini village of Abu-Saiba. Hundreds also marched in al-Daih and Sitra, chanting slogans against Saudi Arabia's ruling Al Saud family and the Sunni family ruling Bahrain, and calling Nimr "our martyr".{{cite news|title=The Latest: Insider says Saudis decided 'enough was enough'|url=http://www.wtvq.com/2016/01/03/the-latest-insider-says-saudis-decided-enough-was-enough/|publisher=WTVQ-DT (AP)|date=3 January 2016|access-date=4 January 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104041833/http://www.wtvq.com/2016/01/03/the-latest-insider-says-saudis-decided-enough-was-enough/|archive-date=4 January 2016}}

In Iraq, protestors broke into the Saudi embassy, which has not been officially opened yet.{{cite web|url=http://en.trend.az/world/arab/2476659.html|title=Protesters break into Saudi embassy in Baghdad|date=4 January 2016|work=Trend|access-date=9 January 2016|archive-date=10 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310084906/http://en.trend.az/world/arab/2476659.html|url-status=dead}} Footage of a rocket attack on the Saudi embassy in Baghdad also was released by the media.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}

In the Indian city of Srinagar, the capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, people protested using anti-Saudi banners. The protesters were marching towards the UN office at Sonawar, only to be intercepted by the police. Similar protests were held in the Kargil district, where religious organisations called for three days of mourning.{{cite web|url=http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/kashmir/ayatollah-nimr-s-execution-aftermath/206021.html|title=Ayatollah Nimr's Execution Aftermath|publisher=Greater Kashmir|date=4 January 2015|access-date=9 January 2016|archive-date=2 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102050432/https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/kashmir/ayatollah-nimr-s-execution-aftermath/206021.html|url-status=live}}

On 5 January 2016 a Candlelight vigil was held in Ladakh by Buddhist, Christian and Muslim (Shia & Sunni) communities of Leh and Kargil to demonstrate their solidarity with human rights and voice against Nimr's execution, a local kashmir journalist Raqib Hameed Naik reported.{{cite web |author= Raqib Hameed Naik |url= http://twocircles.net/2016jan05/1452013224.html#.VpVdXrZ96zc |title= Leh residents unite to protest against Shia cleric's execution, organise candle light march |work= TwoCircles.net |date= 5 January 2016 |access-date= 12 January 2016 |archive-date= 29 September 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180929102709/http://twocircles.net/2016jan05/1452013224.html#.VpVdXrZ96zc |url-status= live }}

Boustan Street in Tehran was renamed Nimr Baqir al-Nimr Street soon after the execution. {{Citation needed|date= January 2020}}

• Saudi Arabia
• Nimr's brother, Mohammed al-Nimr, said that the pro-democracy movement in Saudi Arabia would only be strengthened after this execution.{{cite web|url=http://www.irna.ir/en/News/81903796/|title=Sheikh Nimr's brother says his brother's execution will spark anger of Saudi Shia youth|date=2 January 2016 |publisher=irna.ir|access-date=9 January 2016|archive-date=4 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104131224/http://www.irna.ir/en/News/81903796/|url-status=live}} He described his brother as "a humble, religious man who lived a simple life, making him attractive to many youths", and that his execution "will spark anger of (Shia) youths", and said he hoped any response would be peaceful.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/saudiarabia/12077919/Saudi-Arabia-beheadings-highest-in-two-decades.html|title=Video: Protesters storm Saudi embassy in Tehran following execution of top Shia cleric|date=2 January 2016|work=The Telegraph|access-date=4 April 2018|archive-date=14 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614015623/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/saudiarabia/12077919/Saudi-Arabia-beheadings-highest-in-two-decades.html|url-status=dead}}
• Saudi Arabia broke off diplomatic relations with Iran.{{cite news|title=Saudi Arabia breaks off ties with Iran after al-Nimr execution|work=BBC News |date=3 January 2016 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-35217328|access-date=3 January 2016|archive-date=13 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413083837/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-35217328|url-status=live}}

• United Nations
• UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced his dismay over the execution of Nimr. Statements also revealed that the Secretary-General had raised Nimr's case with the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on a number of occasions.{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/sg/statements/|title=New York, 2 January 2016 – Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on executions in Saudi Arabia|publisher=UNO|date=2 January 2016|access-date=3 January 2016|archive-date=1 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801084227/http://www.un.org/sg/statements/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |author1=Tracy McVeigh |author2=Martin Chulov |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/02/suadi-arabia-cleric-execution-unrest-predicted-shia-areas |title=US warns Saudi Arabia's execution of prominent cleric risks inflaming sectarian tensions |work=The Guardian |date=3 January 2016 |access-date=3 January 2016 |archive-date=12 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412034553/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/02/suadi-arabia-cleric-execution-unrest-predicted-shia-areas |url-status=live }} Ban Ki-Moon also called the Saudi breaking of diplomatic ties with Iran "deeply worrying".{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}
• The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein decried Nimr's killing as a "disturbing development", since he had not committed a crime that belonged to the category of "most serious crimes" under international law, adding that the death penalty could only be handed down with stringent respect of due process and fair trial guarantees, and full transparency throughout the process.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}
• European Union
• High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini condemned the execution, stating that Nimr's death raises serious concerns regarding freedom of expression and the respect of basic civil and political rights".{{cite web|url=http://eeas.europa.eu/statements-eeas/2016/160102_01_en.htm|title=Statement of the HR/VP Federica Mogherini on the executions in Saudi Arabia|publisher=European Union – EEAS (European External Action Service)|access-date=9 January 2016|archive-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307192523/http://eeas.europa.eu/statements-eeas/2016/160102_01_en.htm|url-status=live}}

• Australia
• Julie Bishop, Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, said the Australian government was "deeply disturbed by the recent executions".{{cite news|title=Julie Bishop calls for Saudi Arabia-Iran calm after execution|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/foreign-affairs/julie-bishop-calls-for-saudi-arabiairan-calm-after-execution/news-story/0203d5f12aaf8ffd07da5808e4f3f8e6|publisher=The Australian|date=5 January 2016|access-date=6 January 2016}}
• Bahrain
• The Bahraini government backed the execution.
• Bahrain also broke off diplomatic relations with Iran.{{cite news|title=Saudi Arabia-Iran row: Bahrain cuts diplomatic ties with Tehran|work=BBC News |date=4 January 2016 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35222365|access-date=4 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107213117/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35222365|url-status=live}}
• Canada
• Canada denounced the execution.{{cite news|title=Stephane Dion Condemns Saudis Over Mass Execution|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/01/03/stephane-dion-saudi-arabi_n_8908644.html|work=Huffington Post (CP)|date=3 January 2016|access-date=3 January 2016|archive-date=11 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611154336/http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/01/03/stephane-dion-saudi-arabi_n_8908644.html|url-status=live}}
• China
• Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, while referring to Saudi breaking of diplomatic ties with Iran, said China is "highly concerned about the developments and expresses concern that the relevant event may intensify conflict in the region".{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}
• Egypt
• The Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman said Egypt condemned attacks against the Saudi embassy in Tehran and the Saudi consulate in Mashhad in Iran.{{cite web|title=Egyptian Foreign Ministry|url=http://www.mfa.gov.eg/Arabic/Ministry/News/Pages/NewsDetails.aspx?Source=1d5b0202-c337-4794-ab10-342893d069e1&newsID=b5e9c747-a629-44f9-87e8-5eba70e026dc|access-date=24 January 2016|archive-date=4 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204133056/http://www.mfa.gov.eg/Arabic/Ministry/News/Pages/NewsDetails.aspx?Source=1d5b0202-c337-4794-ab10-342893d069e1&newsID=b5e9c747-a629-44f9-87e8-5eba70e026dc|url-status=live}}
• Deputy Foreign Minister Hamdi Loza condemned "threats" against Saudi Arabia for enforcing its domestic law on a Saudi citizen to defend national security.{{cite web|title=Egyptian Foreign Ministry|url=http://www.mfa.gov.eg/Arabic/Ministry/News/Pages/NewsDetails.aspx?Source=1d5b0202-c337-4794-ab10-342893d069e1&newsID=00a4aea8-525a-4d8f-beba-24c4482a042e|access-date=24 January 2016|archive-date=4 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204111742/http://www.mfa.gov.eg/Arabic/Ministry/News/Pages/NewsDetails.aspx?Source=1d5b0202-c337-4794-ab10-342893d069e1&newsID=00a4aea8-525a-4d8f-beba-24c4482a042e|url-status=live}}
• The Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman said that Egypt will stand with Saudi Arabia against Iranian meddling with Riyadh and other Arab countries' domestic affairs, he added that diplomatic relations will continue to be severed with Iran "for well-known reasons."{{cite news|title=Al Ahram Gate|url=http://gate.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/13/70/846036/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%8A/%D8%A3%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%85%D9%88%D9%82%D9%81%D9%86%D8%A7-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A5%D9%8A%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B6%D8%AD-%D9%88%D9%84%D8%A7-%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%AC%D8%AF-%D9%88%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%B7%D8%A9-%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%B3%D9%8A.aspx|access-date=24 January 2016|archive-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125073838/http://gate.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/13/70/846036/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%8A/%D8%A3%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%85%D9%88%D9%82%D9%81%D9%86%D8%A7-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A5%D9%8A%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B6%D8%AD-%D9%88%D9%84%D8%A7-%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%AC%D8%AF-%D9%88%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%B7%D8%A9-%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%B3%D9%8A.aspx|url-status=live}}
• France
• The French foreign ministry said it "deeply deplores" the Saudi executions, and urged regional leaders to take all measures to avoid an escalation in sectarian tensions.
• Germany
• A German foreign ministry spokesman told AFP: "The execution of (imam) Nimr Baqr al-Nimr reinforces our current concerns about the growing tension ... in the region", saying the death penalty was "an inhumane punishment that we reject in all circumstances".{{cite news|title=France, Germany slam Saudi's execution of Shia cleric|url=https://news.yahoo.com/france-germany-slam-saudis-execution-shia-cleric-182856900.html|publisher=Yahoo News (AFP)|date=4 January 2016|access-date=4 January 2016|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305145619/http://news.yahoo.com/france-germany-slam-saudis-execution-shia-cleric-182856900.html|url-status=live}}
• Iran
• Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei tweeted that "[a]wakening is not suppressible",{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2016/jan/02/middle-east-condemns-saudi-execution-of-shia-cleric-live|title=Execution of Shia cleric sparks international outrage – as it happened|author=Nicola Slawson|work=The Guardian|date=2 January 2016 |access-date=17 December 2016|archive-date=19 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161219162935/https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2016/jan/02/middle-east-condemns-saudi-execution-of-shia-cleric-live|url-status=live}} and compared the Saudi government to the ISIL, also infamous for its mass executions. Khamenei's website carried a picture of a Saudi executioner next to notorious Islamic State executioner Jihadi John, with the caption "Any differences?"{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-security-idUSKBN0UG03B20160102|title=Shi'ite cleric among 47 executed in Saudi Arabia, stirring anger in region|author=Angus McDowall|date=3 January 2016|work=Reuters|access-date=1 July 2017|archive-date=17 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517182923/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-security-idUSKBN0UG03B20160102|url-status=live}} He warned the Saudi government that they will encounter "divine vengeance" for this execution.{{cite news|last1=Worle|first1=Will|title=Shi'ite cleric among 47 executed in Saudi Arabia, stirring anger in region|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/saudi-security-idUSKBN0UG03F20160103|access-date=3 January 2016|agency=Reuters|work=The independent|date=2 January 2016|archive-date=25 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425222241/https://www.reuters.com/article/saudi-security-idUSKBN0UG03F20160103|url-status=live}} On a speech a day after the execution, he said the religious leader "neither invited people to take up arms nor hatched covert plots. The only thing he did was public criticism".{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/01/iran-saudi-arabia-wage-war-words-executions-160103104216327.html|title=Iran and Saudi Arabia wage war of words|access-date=3 January 2016|archive-date=3 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103141310/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/01/iran-saudi-arabia-wage-war-words-executions-160103104216327.html|url-status=live}}
• President Hassan Rouhani called Saudi Arabia's "non-Islamic and inhuman" execution of al-Nimr in line with Riyadh's sectarian policies that aim to spread terrorism and extremism, saying the execution violates "human rights and Islamic values".{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}
• Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned the Saudi Arabian chargé d'affaires.{{cite web|url=http://english.irib.ir/news/item/220881-iran-summons-saudi-envoy-over-nimr-execution|title=Iran summons Saudi envoy over Nimr execution|publisher=irib.ir|access-date=9 January 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160105211323/http://english.irib.ir/news/item/220881-iran-summons-saudi-envoy-over-nimr-execution|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=dead}} Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hossein Jaberi Ansari said the execution of Sheikh Nimr "who had no means other than speech to pursue his political and religious objectives only shows the depth of imprudence and irresponsibility".{{citation needed|date=August 2021}} He said that the Saudi government "supports terrorist movements and extremists, but confronts domestic critics with oppression and execution". Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also condemned the execution.{{cite web|url=http://ag.irna.ir/en/News/81905630/|title=Zarif: Sheikh Nimr execution another step in line with divisive policies|access-date=3 January 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160105211410/http://ag.irna.ir/en/News/81905630/|archive-date=5 January 2016}}
• The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) condemned the execution, comparing the attitude and actions to those of ISIL. IRGC said "harsh revenge" would topple "this pro-terrorist, anti-Islamic regime". Saudi Arabia summoned the Iranian ambassador in response.
• Both high-ranking Shia and Sunni clerics of Iran condemned the execution. Shia marja Naser Makarem Shirazi called it "deeply shocking" and called the Saudi government "the center for spreading sedition and Takfiri ideology". Grand Ayatollah Lotfollah Safi-Golpaygani said the execution "once again showed the criminal nature" of the Al Saud regime and that it paves the way for the regime's fall. Grand Ayatollah Hossein Noori Hamedani urged all Shia and Sunni Muslims to react against the incident. Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, a member of the Assembly of Experts and Friday prayer Imam, predicted the fall of Saudi Arabia's ruling family following the execution.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/nimr-al-nimr-execution-iranian-cleric-says-death-penalty-will-bring-down-the-saudi-arabias-ruling-a6793681.html|title=Nimr al-Nimr execution: Iranian cleric says death penalty will bring down Saudi Arabia's ruling family|author=Harriet Sinclair|date=2 January 2016|work=The Independent|access-date=20 September 2017|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107024940/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/nimr-al-nimr-execution-iranian-cleric-says-death-penalty-will-bring-down-the-saudi-arabias-ruling-a6793681.html|url-status=live}} Ayatollah Abbas Kaabi, Seyed Mohammad Vaez Mousavi and Ayatollah Hassan Mamdouhi also condemned the executions, underlining that "Saudis has dug its own grave". Ayatollah Hosseini Bushehri, the head of Qom Seminary Schools, announced that large number of clerics and seminary school students of Qom will close their teachings sessions on Sunday.{{cite web|url=http://theiranproject.com/blog/2016/01/02/nimrs-execution-sparks-angry-reaction-from-shia-sunni-senior-clerics/|title=Nimr's execution sparks angry reactions among Shia, Sunni senior clerics|work=The Iran Project|date=2 January 2016 |access-date=9 January 2016|archive-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125130820/http://theiranproject.com/blog/2016/01/02/nimrs-execution-sparks-angry-reaction-from-shia-sunni-senior-clerics/|url-status=live}} Sunni clerics, including the representative of Iran's Sunni-populated Southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan at the Assembly of Experts, Chairman of the Sunni Lawmakers' Fraction at the Iranian parliament Abed Fattahi, Molawi Abdolhamid Ismailzehi (the Friday prayers leader of Iran's Southeastern city of Zahedan) also condemned the execution. Iranian seminaries held a protest rally in front of the Saudi embassy in Tehran and condemned execution of the Shiite cleric by chanting "death to Al Saud".{{cite web|url=http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941012001441|publisher=Farsnews|title=IRGC: Sheikh Nimr's Execution Displays ISIL-Like Behavior Saudi Regime's Behavior|date=2 January 2016|access-date=9 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107084828/http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941012001441|url-status=live}} A group of Iranian clerics and seminary students have also held demonstrations in Qom and Mashhad the day after.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}
• Locals in Tehran gathered outside the Saudi diplomatic mission to protest the execution. Crowds attacked Saudi Arabia's embassy in Tehran, throwing stones and Molotov cocktails, which set off a fire, while chanting "death to Al Saud". Police donned riot gear and arrested 40 people during the incident. The Iranian Foreign Ministry has appealed for calm and to respect diplomatic premises, The day after, protests were held again by hundreds of Iranians in Tehran,{{citation needed|date=August 2021}} and President Rouhani called the damage on embassy "by no means justifiable".
• Iraq
• Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said the execution would have repercussions on regional security.
• The Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, a Shia political party, and several Iraqi Shia MPs condemned the execution.{{cite web|url=http://en.abna24.com/service/middle-east-west-asia/archive/2016/01/02/728110/story.html|title=Iraq MPs: Saudi Arabia execution of al-Nimr intended to fuel Sunni-Shiite strife|date=2 January 2016|publisher=abna24.com|access-date=9 January 2016|archive-date=5 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105224335/http://en.abna24.com/service/middle-east-west-asia/archive/2016/01/02/728110/story.html|url-status=live |author1=Websites }}
• Former Prime Minister of Iraq Nouri al-Maliki said that his countrymen "strongly condemn these detestable sectarian practices" and said that this "crime" will be the downfall of the Saudi government, just as "the crime of executing the martyr al-Sadr did to Saddam".{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/nimr-al-nimr-execution-protesters-tear-gassed-in-bahrain-after-saudi-arabia-carries-out-death-a6793761.html|title=Nimr al-Nimr execution: Former Iraq PM al-Maliki says death will 'topple Saudi regime'|author=Harriet Sinclair|date=2 January 2016|work=The Independent|access-date=20 September 2017|archive-date=24 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024184421/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/nimr-al-nimr-execution-protesters-tear-gassed-in-bahrain-after-saudi-arabia-carries-out-death-a6793761.html|url-status=live}}
• In Iraq, prominent religious and political figures demanded that Iraqi-Saudi ties be severed.
• Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani called the execution an "aggression".{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}
• The board of Fatwas of Iraqi Sunnis condemned the execution in a statement, adding that Saudi Arabia should account for "igniting the fire of new discord in the Muslim world".{{cite web|url=http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941013001102|title=Farsnews|access-date=9 January 2016|archive-date=27 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927102008/http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941013001102|url-status=live}}
• Lebanon
• Hezbollah
• Hezbollah said the execution amounted to assassination, describing Sheikh Nimr as a spiritual scholar who always sought dialogue and resisted injustice.{{cite web|url=http://english.irib.ir/news/item/220883-lebanon-s-hezbollah-slams-nimr-execution-as-assassination|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160105211316/http://english.irib.ir/news/item/220883-lebanon-s-hezbollah-slams-nimr-execution-as-assassination|url-status=dead|archive-date=2016-01-05|title=Lebanon's Hezbollah slams Nimr execution as 'assassination'|publisher=irib.ir}}
• Hassan Nasrallah said in a televised address the execution will not be taken lightly, calling the House of Saud "the main source and the launching pad for Takfiri ideology".{{cite web|url=http://en.alalam.ir/news/1775734|title=Nasrallah: Saudi Arabia Execution of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr Won't Be Taken Lightly|access-date=3 January 2016|archive-date=4 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104175835/http://en.alalam.ir/news/1775734|url-status=live}}
• Lebanon's Supreme Islamic Shia Council called the execution of al-Nimr "an execution of reason, moderation and dialogue" and a "grave mistake".
• Peaceful protests occurred.
• Pakistan
• Pakistan's Muslims Unity Assembly decried the execution as a challenge against millions of Muslims worldwide.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}
• Peaceful protests occurred.
• Palestine
• Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) condemned the execution, saying that the Saudi government "insists on pouring oil to the flames of sectarian sedition".
• Philippines
• The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs called on all parties "to work together to ease sectarian tensions and to promote reconciliation". They also called "for full respect for the inviolability of diplomatic premises in all nations".{{cite web|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/phl-calls-calm-gulf-amid-000000344.html|title=Phl calls for calm in Gulf amid Saudi-Iran rift|date=8 January 2016|work=Yahoo News Singapore|access-date=9 January 2016|archive-date=2 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202042234/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/phl-calls-calm-gulf-amid-000000344.html|url-status=live}}
• Russia
• Russia said cutting off diplomatic relations is not a "very constructive step".{{citation needed|date=August 2021}} The Russian Foreign Ministry said Russia is ready to mediate the dispute between Iran and Saudi Arabia in order to restore ties.{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}}
• Sudan
• Sudan joined Saudi Arabia and broke off diplomatic relations with Iran.{{cite news|title=Bahrain, Sudan join Saudi Arabia in cutting ties with Iran as row over Shiite Sheikh execution continues|publisher=ABC News|location=Australia|date=4 January 2016 |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-04/bahrain-joins-saudi-arabia-in-cutting-ties-with-iran/7067308|access-date=7 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107013023/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-04/bahrain-joins-saudi-arabia-in-cutting-ties-with-iran/7067308|url-status=live}}
• Turkey
• Peaceful protests occurred. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that Nimr's execution was an "internal legal matter" for Saudi Arabia."[http://www.dawn.com/news/1231168 Turkey's Erdogan says Saudi executions 'internal legal matter'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110202320/http://www.dawn.com/news/1231168 |date=10 January 2016 }}". DAWN.
• United Kingdom
• Britain's Shadow Foreign Secretary, Hilary Benn, described the execution as "profoundly wrong", and condemned the act of execution in general.
• The Liberal Democrats leader, Tim Farron, stated: "I utterly condemn Saudi Arabia for the execution of 47 people including the prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. Capital punishment is utterly abhorrent and the prime minister needs to turn round to our 'ally' and tell them capital punishment is wrong. Britain must live our values and criticise nations like Saudi Arabia that continue this heinous and barbarous punishment."{{cite news|title=Farron calls on prime minister to do more about death penalty abroad|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2016/jan/02/middle-east-condemns-saudi-execution-of-shia-cleric-live#block-5687e63ae4b096b9dad43fc0|work=The Guardian|date=2 January 2016|access-date=3 January 2016|archive-date=2 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102170357/http://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2016/jan/02/middle-east-condemns-saudi-execution-of-shia-cleric-live#block-5687e63ae4b096b9dad43fc0|url-status=live}}
• United States
• United States Department of State spokesman John Kirby called on Saudi Arabia to respect human rights and permit peaceful dissent.
• An anonymous official talking to The Washington Post said: "There are larger repercussions than just the reaction to these executions," including damage to "counter-ISIL initiatives as well as the Syrian peace process".{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}
• Yemen
• Ansarullah movement (the Houthis) described Sheikh Nimr as a "holy warrior" and called the Saudi execution a "flagrant violation of human rights".{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}

• Human Rights Watch said the executions "further stain Saudi Arabia's troubling human rights record". Sarah Leah Whitson, the group's Middle East director, said Nimr was convicted in an unfair trial and that his execution was "only adding to the existing sectarian discord and unrest".
• Amnesty International called Sheikh Nimr's trial political, grossly unfair, and stated that the execution was to settle political scores.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35214536 |title=Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr: Anger at execution of top Shia cleric |publisher=BBC World News |date=3 January 2016 |access-date=3 January 2016 |archive-date=31 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331162912/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35214536 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2016/Jan-02/329939-saudi-execution-of-shiite-sheikh-political-amnesty.ashx|title=Saudi execution of Shiite sheikh 'political': Amnesty|work=The Daily Star Lebanon|date=2 January 2016|access-date=3 January 2016|archive-date=26 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226094048/https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2016/Jan-02/329939-saudi-execution-of-shiite-sheikh-political-amnesty.ashx|url-status=live}}
• Ian Bremmer, the president of Eurasia Group, told Business Insider that "Saudi Arabia is in serious trouble and they know it", concluding that by cutting diplomatic ties with Iran, Saudi Arabia "wants to make regional tensions an Iran story, which helps them domestically".{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/saudi-arabia-iran-tension-trouble-2016-1|title=Saudi Arabia-Iran tension result of Saudi instability – Business Insider|author=Natasha Bertrand|date=4 January 2016|work=Business Insider|access-date=9 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107011607/http://www.businessinsider.com/saudi-arabia-iran-tension-trouble-2016-1|url-status=live}}

{{portal|Shia Islam|Saudi Arabia}}

• 2016 Saudi Arabia mass execution
• 2019 Saudi Arabia mass execution
• Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict

{{Reflist}}

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{{Arab Spring}}

{{Iran–Saudi Arabia relations}}

{{Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict}}

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Category:2016 in Saudi Arabia

Category:January 2016 in Asia

Category:21st-century executions by Saudi Arabia

Category:Controversies in Saudi Arabia

Category:Iran–Saudi Arabia relations

Category:Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict

Category:Qatif conflict