47 Executions in Simultaneous Manner
As the Government of Saudi Arabia executed 47 people including a prominent Shi’ite cleric, the United States of America voiced concern over the mass execution that took place in 12 cities of the middle eastern country.
In a press statement in Washington DC, US Spokesperson John Kirby said the US government has previously expressed its concerns about the legal process in Saudi Arabia and have frequently raised these concerns at high levels of the Saudi Government.
“We reaffirm our calls on the Government of Saudi Arabia to respect and protect human rights, and to ensure fair and transparent judicial proceedings in all cases.” – Mr. Kirby
In addition, Mr. Kirby reiterated the US’ calls for the Government of Saudi Arabia to permit peaceful expression of dissent and to work together with all community leaders to defuse tensions in the wake of these executions.
Execution of Shi’te Cleric May Worsen Sectarian Tensions
According to Mr. Kirby, the US is concerned that the execution of prominent Shia cleric and political activist Nimr al-Nimr risks exacerbating sectarian tensions at a time when they urgently need to be reduced.
“In this context, we reiterate the need for leaders throughout the region to redouble efforts aimed at de-escalating regional tensions.” – Mr. Kirby.
47 Executed in Saudi Arabia
The Government of Saudi Arabia has announced the execution of 47 people through firing squad and beheadings.
Among those executed were 45 Saudis, one Egyptian and a man from Chad.
There has been speculation that the executions are aimed at discouraging Saudis from jihadism.
US-Saudi Arabia Relationship
US-Saudi Arabia relations go beyond one or two countries and one or two efforts, the spokesman said.
Both countries work in military planning; in enhancing renewable energy supplies; in energy stability and security; counterterrorism; critical infrastructure protection; trade and investment; science and technology; enhancing and dealing with and addressing the medical attention to health pandemics; agriculture and food security; and education and student exchanges.
The deep relationship between the two countries has extended now for more than 70 years.
