Saudis demand release of Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr

Protesters have taken to the streets in Saudi Arabia’s restive Eastern Province, calling for the release of senior Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.

Blocking rural roads in the Qatif region, the demonstrators denounced the Saudi regime’s suppression of the Shia population in the country.

Sheikh Nimr was attacked and arrested in Qatif in July 2012. He has been charged with disturbing the country’s security, giving anti-regime speeches, insulting King Abdullah in Friday Prayers sermons, and defending the political prisoners.

A Saudi court has recently sentenced Sheikh Nimr to death. However, the final ruling has been postponed.