From Baghdad to Beirut, protests erupted across the Muslim world, after Saudi Arabia executed Shiite Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. He had been convinced on terrorism charges, but was also a vocal critic of the Sunni-led, Saudi government. In Shiite-majority Iran, the sheikh’s death made headlines, sparking an attack on the Saudi embassy in Tehran.
Protesters also renamed the street outside it for the Sheikh. And the nation’s supreme religious leader condemned the killing.
“Those who make policies, execute them, and decision makers of Saudi government should not have any doubt that this blood will trouble them. It will harass them.” Ayatollah Al-Khamenei, Iranian Supreme Leader
In response, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister says the kingdom is cutting relations with Iran. and gave its diplomats 48 hours to leave the country.
“In light of these facts, the Kingdom announces severing diplomatic relations with Iran, and requests that all members of the diplomatic mission at the embassy, consulate and affiliated offices leave within 48 hours.”Adel Al-Jubeir Saudi Foreign Minister
The execution was one of 47 including dozens of Sunnis charged with terrorism-related charges.
“The security forces in the kingdom will never hesitate from following and pursuing all who commit such terrorist acts, or even join these groups or support them in any way.” Major General Mansour Al-Turki , security spokesman for Saudi Ministry Of Interior
But the execution of Sheikh al-Nimr threatens to further divide the region at a time when it needs unity to fight ISIL in Syria and Iraq. And it comes on the same day that Saudi Arabia ended a truce with the Shiite rebels who took over Yemen’s internationally-recognized government.
“There will be a state of boiling anger which will block Arabs. People will move, go out, denounce, protest against this outrageous crime. And this is only the beginning, there will be other forms of escalation.” Mohamed Haidara, Houthi Official
On Sunday evening, al-Nimr’s family began three days of mourning in eastern Saudi Arabia, where the Shiite minority lives. The sheikh’s brother, Mohammad al-Nimr told the Associated Press, that the Saudis have already buried him at an undisclosed cemetery.
