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The World Federation of KSIMC along with other Muslim bodies, groups and organisations have issued a joint statement denouncing the death sentence passed on Wednesday 15th October by the Saudi Arabian government against Ayatullah Nimr Baqir al-Nimr. The statement reads as follows: |
We are extremely alarmed about the recent death sentence which has been passed against Ayatollah Nimr Baqir Al-nimr as reported by the media for “sowing discord” and “undermining national unity”. Ayatollah al-Nimr is a respected Muslim figure in Saudi Arabia. He is a faith leader, reformist and human rights activist, who has long campaigned for an end to discriminatory laws against the Shia minority population of the country. This sentence follows a lengthy two year detention in a Saudi prison, which has sparked outrage, not only from the Muslim community but also from the international human rights organisations. We strongly believe that the sentencing of Ayatollah Nimr as a leader of the minority Shia community will further inflame sectarian tensions and provide encouragement to extremist groups such as ISIS to continue their persecution of religious minorities.
Therefore, we strongly expect the government of Saudi Arabia to act with responsibility and refrain from implementing the death sentence of Ayatollah al-Nimr. We ask the government of Saudi Arabia to consider the negative and detrimental impact that any sentence of Ayatollah al-Nimr will have to their national image and demand that Ayatollah al-Nimr is released. We implore the government of Saudi Arabia to behave as a responsible role model to both Muslims and Muslim governments around the world.
Signed by:
Al-Khoei Foundation
AlulBayt Foundation
British Muslim Forum
Council of European Jamaats
Imamsonline
Islamic Centre of England
London Fatwa Council
Majlis-e-ulama Shia
Mecca Mosque Leeds
Radical Middle Way
World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim Communities
End of the joint statement
To view the statement in The Guardian newspaper please click here.