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France Calls for Prevention of Tensions Escalation After Saudi Executions

Sputnik International

The French Foreign Ministry has called for prevention of escalation of tensions in the Middle East in the wake of Saudi executions of 47 people, including a... 03.01.2016, Sputnik International

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France Calls for Prevention of Tensions Escalation After Saudi Executions

16:12 GMT 03.01.2016 (Updated: 16:29 GMT 03.01.2016)

© REUTERS / Raheb Homavandi/TIMAIranian protesters chant slogans as they hold pictures of Shi'ite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr during a demonstration against the execution of Nimr in Saudi Arabia, outside the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Tehran January, 3, 2016

Iranian protesters chant slogans as they hold pictures of Shi'ite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr during a demonstration against the execution of Nimr in Saudi Arabia, outside the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Tehran January, 3, 2016 - Sputnik International

The French Foreign Ministry has called for prevention of escalation of tensions in the Middle East in the wake of Saudi executions of 47 people, including a prominent Shiite cleric.

With the execution rate in Saudi Arabia soaring to record highs this year, the government has reportedly beheaded five foreigners convicted of murder and robbery. - Sputnik International

Execution of Shiite Cleric in Saudi Could Prompt Sectarian Tensions - US

3 January 2016, 00:30 GMT

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – On Saturday, the Saudi Interior Ministry announced the execution of Shia cleric Sheikh al-Nimr, an outspoken critic of the Saudi monarchy, along with 46 other people convicted of terrorism.

"France reaffirms its continued opposition to the death penalty in all places and in all circumstances. It calls on the leaders of the [Middle East] region to do everything to avoid exacerbation of sectarian and religious tensions," the ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

Late on Saturday, demonstrators protesting in Tehran against the execution of Sheikh al-Nimr, attacked the Saudi embassy. Local police reportedly detained 40 protesters. Protests resumed in the Iranian capital the following day.

Al-Nimr was sentenced to death on charges of inciting hatred and disobedience to the Saudi king in 2014.