The Saudi Arabia executed top religious figure, Sheikh Nimr Baqer al-Nimr along with 46 other people.

The Saudi Arabia executed top religious figure, Sheikh Nimr Baqer al-Nimr along with 46 other people.

A statement released by the Saudi Interior Ministry announced the executions on Saturday, state-run news agency, SPA reported.

Sheikh Nimr was a vocal supporter of the mass pro-democracy protests against Riyadh, that erupted in Eastern Province in 2011, where a Shia majority has long complained of marginalization.

He was arrested two years ago, during which he was shot by Saudi forces.

He was charged with “instigating unrest and undermining the kingdom’s security”, making anti-government speeches and defending political prisoners.

In 2014, a Saudi court sentenced Sheikh Nimr to death, provoking widespread global condemnations. The sentence was upheld last March by the appeal court of Saudi Arabia.

The death ruling sparked angry reactions from international rights bodies, who have lashed out at Saudi Arabia for failing to address the rights situation in the kingdom. They say Saudi Arabia has persistently implemented repressive policies that stifle freedom of expression, association and assembly.

Amnesty International also criticized the process of Sheikh Nimr’s trial and said it views the charges against the cleric as his right to free speech.