SHAFAQNA – Ali al-Nimr was just 17 years old when he was sentenced to death in the wake of the Arab Spring pro-democracy uprising. He was accused of participation in an illegal demonstration and a large number of other offences. These include “explaining how to give first aid to protestors” and using his blackberry to invite others to join him at the protest.
Ali was tortured and forced to sign a false confession. This was the only evidence brought against him. He was sentenced to ‘death by crucifixion,’ which in Saudi Arabia involves beheading and public display of the body.
Ali’s final appeal was held in secret, without his knowledge. This was the last remaining legal obstacle to his execution, and now Ali can be crucified at any time. The authorities may not even give prior notification to his family. His execution would be illegal under international law.
The Saudi authorities want to crucify Ali, who was sentenced to death as a child. We have to make sure they know that the world opposes this execution.
Reprieve in London is running a petition calling for his immediate release.
Saudi Arabia has carried out a record number of executions this year, but that didn’t stop the kingdom from taking its seat on a key panel at the U.N. Human Rights Council.
And even though it’s not something the corporate media likes to talk about, as of July, Saudi Arabia had already beheaded nearly twice as many people as ISIS so far this year.