They coincided with increased attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Sunni monarchy by the jihadists of the Islamic State as well as with an escalating rivalry with Shi’ite Iran that has fueled conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and elsewhere. Former prime minister Nuri al-Maliki publicly condemned the execution, predicting it would lead to the eventual downfall of the “Saudi regime”.
Advertisement
Iranian Navy Fires Rockets Near US Carrier
Iranian state television aired in October unprecedented footage of such an underground missile base. NBC News first reported news of the missile test.
Despite the regional focus on Sheikh Nimr, the executions seemed mostly aimed at discouraging jihadism in Saudi Arabia, where dozens have died in the past year in attacks by Sunni militants. He described the executions as a “mercy to the prisoners” because it would save them from committing more evil acts and prevent chaos.
Oregon Ducks vs. TCU Horned Frogs Football
The Frogs would edge even closer when Jaden Oberkrom executed a field goal in the fourth quarter to make it a 31-20 game. The problems would continue for OR with two Starters out, it was noticeable with Vernon Adams not in the game.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has summoned the Saudi envoy in Tehran to protest, while the Saudi Foreign Ministry later said it had summoned Iran’s envoy to the kingdom to protest Iran’s criticism of the execution, saying it represented “blatant interference” in its internal affairs.
Leicester held 0-0 by 10-man Bournemouth
We did 39 points in the first half (of the season) so in the second half we try to make 40 points. You can also follow it with our LIVE scores (THE BEST ONLINE), results and stats.
Saudi Interior Ministry spokesman Maj.
Khamenei’s website carried a picture of a Saudi executioner next to notorious Islamic State executioner “Jihadi John”, with the caption “Any differences?”.
The worldwide rights group Amnesty global said the 47 executions demonstrated the Saudi authorities’ “utter disregard for human rights and life” and called Sheikh Nimr’s trial “political and grossly unfair”.
“Iran is a defender of the Shia world throughout the Middle East, and this is a direct challenge to Iran at the worst possible time”, Stewart said. Shi’ite groups across the region accused Saudi Arabia of using terrorism as a pretext to execute Nimr, a figurehead for the kingdom’s restive Shi’ite population who calls for peaceful protests in sermons broadcast online.
According to Mogherini, “This case has also the potential of enflaming further the sectarian tensions that already bring so much damage to the entire region, with risky consequences”.
Images also showed protesters taking down the Saudi Arabian flag before dragging it along the streets outside.
A separate set of protesters in Masshad, Iran’s second most populous city, also set fire to the Saudi consulate, according to the Agence France-Presse.
Advertisement
Kirby noted that Washington has previously expressed its concern about the Saudi legal system, and raised those concerns at high levels with the Saudi government. Of the 47 executed, one was a Chadian national while another was Egyptian. Those put to death include Sunnis linked to 2003 terror attacks linked to al-Qaeda. Iran’s parliament speaker warned that the execution would prompt “a maelstrom” in Saudi Arabia.
