SHAFAQNA- Reports out of Saudi Arabia suggest the regime plans to issue death penalties for three Sunni scholars Sheikh Salman al-Awdah, Awad al-Qarni and Ali al-Omari.
Middle East Eye, who first released the news, has cited two government sources and a relative saying that once they are convicted, the execution would be carried out after the fasting month of Ramadan.
Awad al-Qarni is a preacher, academic and author. Ali al-Omari is another famous personality known for his TV shows that often supported women’s rights and campaigned against extremism.
Sheikh Salman al-Awdah is an Islamic scholar and has more than 13 million followers on social media platform Twitter. He was arrested shortly after he posted a tweet and prayed for the people of Qatar and reconciliation between Riyadh and Doha. Saudi Arabia and its allies – the UAE and Bahrain- imposed fierce economic sanctions and embargo on Qatar in 2017.
Al-Qarni, al-Awdah and al-Omari who were all arrested in 2017 face terrorism charges. In addition to that, Salman al-Awdah is accused of exposing injustices towards prisoners and having an affiliation with the Qatari Royal family. Ali al-Omari also allegedly formed a youth organization to carry out the goals of the Muslim Brotherhoods inside the kingdom. Riyadh considers the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization.
Saudi Arabia has so far remain silent on the reports about the trio’s imminent trial and execution. The news come almost a month after the Saudi regime executed 37 opposition activists- 33 of them from the Shia community- on terrorism charges.
Source: Middle East Eye
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