Middle East condemns Saudi execution of Shia cleric

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Several religious leaders across the Middle East have already warned of repercussions for the state-sanctioned killing of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.

Saudi Arabia’s royal family has been warned to expect internal unrest and protests have begun elsewhere in the region.

In a serious escalation of religious and diplomatic tensions, opposing councils and clerics in Iran, Yemen and Lebanon said the killing of the prominent cleric would prompt widespread anger, reports The Guardian.

Nimr’s execution – one of 47 carried out at the same time on New Year’s Day – sparked demonstrations in Bahrain where police have fired teargas, according to witnesses. The deaths come as figures show the number of executions in Saudi Arabia has risen to the highest level in 20 years.