TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The head of the Iranian parliament’s Sunni commission warned against the consequences of a recent decision by the Al Saudi dynasty to execute prominent Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr, saying such a move will intensify the world’s hatred against the Riyadh regime.

“On behalf of the Iranian Sunnis, I strongly condemn the death sentence of Ayatollah Sheikh Nimr,” Abed Fattahi said in an interview with the Tasnim News Agency on Wednesday.

He further described a possible move by Riyadh to carry out the execution of the cleric as a “serious threat” to the Muslim world and the unity and brotherhood between Shiite and Sunni Muslims.

Muslims across the world have called on the Saudi authorities not to carry out the sentence, the MP said, adding that if the move is made, it will result in “the hatred of other countries’ people toward the Al Saud dynasty”.

Mohamed al-Nimr, the cleric’s brother, told Tasnim on Sunday that the death sentence has been referred to King Salman’s office for a final decision.

Saudi Arabia’s criminal court had earlier referred Sheikh Nimr’s case to an appeals court, where the verdict was upheld in early March.

Sheikh Nimr was detained in July 2012 following demonstrations that erupted in Qatif region, Saudi Arabia. He is accused of delivering anti-regime speeches and defending political prisoners.

His arrest has sparked widespread protests in the Arab country, leaving several people dead.

Last October, Sheikh Nimr’s family reported that a Saudi judge has found him guilty of “sedition” and sentenced him to death.

By Tasnim News Agency