Friday’s protests, which took place outside Saudi Arabia’s embassy in London, also specifically expressed support for Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr, who the demonstrators say was falsely arrested, press tv reported.
The protesters claimed that ultra-conservative monarchy’s authorities used false evidence against Sheikh Nimr and denied him proper medical care.
They also censured the kingdom’s large number of political prisoners, and said that the Saudi regime’s dictatorial nature is highlighted by the existence of political prisons and Sheikh Nimr’s unlawful arrest.
Nimr was sentenced to death by the Specialized Criminal Court in the Saudi capital Riyadh in October, on charges of disturbing the kingdom’s security and making anti-government speeches.
The cleric was attacked and detained in the Saudi city of Qatif in July 2012. His arrest sparked widespread protests that claimed the lives of several anti-government demonstrators.
International human rights organizations have repeatedly lashed out at Saudi Arabia for failing to address the human rights situation in the kingdom. They say Saudi Arabia has persistently implemented repressive policies that stifle freedom of expression, association and assembly.
