Saudi Arabia confirms Shi’ite cleric’s death sentence

Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence of Shi'ite Muslim cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, who was found guilty of sedition and other charges following his involvement in the 2011 Arab Spring movement. Nimr's brother made the announcement via Twitter on Oct. 24, telling Reuters that his family and lawyers were not given notice of the hearing. King Salman must sign off on the death sentence and could decide to issue a royal pardon. Nimr is one of six Shi'ites that have been sentenced to beheading and public display of their bodies.

From Jurist, Oct. 26. Used with permission.

Note: In August Amnesty International reported that Saudi Arabia's flawed judicial system has resulted a surge of executions following unfair trials.