Man Arrested at 17 in Saudi Arabia to Be Crucified

“Ali is one of a number of people – thought to possibly include other juveniles – who has been sentenced to death following involvement in those protests”. But the appeal process was conducted secretly in the absence of al-Nimr and without his knowledge.

“These accusations are untrue and Saudi officials are deliberately issuing this sentence following the sentence of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr”, declared his father.

They go on to claim the teenager was tortured, denied access to a lawyer and not even told when his case was taking place until after he was sentenced to death.

Al-Nimr was likely targeted because he is the nephew of Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimra, a prominent Shi’a cleric who was also sentenced to death in 2014.

Ali Mohammed al-Nimr was arrested in February 2012 and accused of taking part in anti-government protests and illegally possessing firearms.

His death scheduled for Thursday in Riyadh will be no ordinary event, as he will be publicly decapitated, then mounted on a cross as his body rots away. Evidence indicates that he was tortured and forced to sign a document which was tantamount to a confession.

Human rights charity Reprieve director Maya Foa said: “The United Kingdom should have nothing to do with a so-called justice system responsible for atrocities such as this”.

Online, meanwhile, the Internet protested against the planned execution, under the hashtag #FreeNimr. His execution is being connected to the regime’s dislike for his uncle, as well as the ongoing crackdown against Shia activists in the east of the country, which has gone largely unreported due to heavy restrictions on both the local and global media in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government maintains all cases are tried in accordance with Sharia law, and with strict fair trial standards observed. Under new king Salman, executions are up, with dozens carried out this year. It really seems to be picking up in terms of worldwide and state pressure.

“Saudi Arabia may so far this year have executed at least 134 people, which already represents 44 more than the total for the whole of last year…”