Protests erupt over execution of Shiite cleric

Calling Nimr a martyr, Khamenei said, “Divine vengeance will befall Saudi politicians.” It said he described the execution as a “political error” and said the cleric ‘only voiced public criticism based on religious fervour.”

Saudi Arabia executed 56-year old Nimr al-Nimr and three other Shiites alongside dozens of al Qaeda members on Saturday, signalling it would not tolerate attacks by either Sunni jihadists or members of the Shi’ite minority seeking equality.

The predominantly Shi’ite Iranians reacted angrily. In Teheran, angry crowds set fire to Saudi Arabian embassy and stormed the building before being cleared out by police. According to an eye witness, there was some damage to the interiors. In Mashhad, Iran’s second biggest city demonstrators set fire to the Saudi consulate, according to ISNA news agency. 

Iranian media quoted foreign ministry spokesman Hossein Jaber Ansari as asking police to “protect Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic missions in Tehran and Mashhad, and prevent any demonstrations in front of these sites.” Shortly afterwards, Iran’s foreign ministry issued a statement calling for calm and urging protesters to respect the diplomatic premises. Saudi Arabia called Iran’s envoy in Riyadh to complain about the developments.

An Iranian official on Sunday said 40 people were arrested after Saudi Arabia’s embassy was attacked and set on fire following outrage at the kingdom’s execution of a Shiite cleric. The suspects were identified and arrested and other detentions could follow, Tehran prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi was quoted by the ISNA news agency as saying.