In three days Sheikh Al Nimr faces final verdict

The cleric was attacked and arrested in Qatif in July 2012, and has been charged with disturbing the kingdom’s security, making anti-government speeches, and defending political prisoners.
 
The final court ruling for the top Saudi opposition figure has not been issued yet, though some reports suggest that rulers in the US-backed Persian Gulf Kingdom may sentence him to 17 years in prison.
 
It is widely expected that the sentence could trigger a wave of protests in the oil-rich Saudi province.
 
A Saudi court had earlier sentenced Sheikh Nimr to a death, triggering international outrage, particularly among Shia communities.

Fearing a popular uprising, Saudi Arabia chose last month to postpone the Sheikh’ sentencing, giving the authorities some time to think the situation through.

With three days left to the clock, protesters and rights activists have vowed they will continue to fight until their Sheikh is safely release from prison.

A scholar of immense standing both within and without Saudi Arabia, Sheikh al Nimr has become a symbol of religious and political courage before oppression, an inspiration for hundreds of thousands.

On Wednesday 15, Sheikh al Nimr is due to appear before court to receive his final sentence. Residents in Qatif – the Sheikh’s hometown – have already said to be planning marches and protests on the day to ensure that the state is reminded of the severe repercussions which would befall the kingdom should Sheikh al Nimr not be set free.

Muqtada al Sadr – prominent Shia Iraqi leader – has offered his support to Qatif, stating that demonstrations would too take place across Iraq in solidarity with Saudi Arabia’ Shia community.

International human rights organizations have criticized 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.