Outcry: Protests against Shia scholar’s execution in Saudi Arabia

Speakers say cleric was executed for criticising monarchy, demanding reforms

RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: Several Shia organisations on Sunday took to street to protest against the execution of a top Shia cleric, Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, in Saudi Arabia.

Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) and Tehreek Nafaz Fiqh-e-Jafariya Pakistan (TNFJ) held separate protest demonstrations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Addressing a rally at Liaqat Bagh in Rawalpindi, MWM leader Allama Ali Akbar Kazmi said Nimr was executed for criticising the monarchy and demanding reforms in the kingdom. He termed the execution of the top Saudi Shia cleric a “barbaric act” of the Saudi government.

The speakers also questioned the silence of human rights organisations over the development. They also said that Saudi Arabia was involved in terrorism around the world.

Tehreek Nafaz Fiqh-e-Jafariya Pakistan (TNFJ) also brought out a protest demonstration led by its chief Agha Syed Hamid Ali Shah Moosavi.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2016.