![Nimr al-Nimr [Getty]](/sites/default/files/media/images/6A37C0A5-E50D-4C13-A0A3-82A08D0FD6FE.jpg "Nimr al-Nimr [Getty]")
Hezbollah to mark execution of prominent Saudi Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr
Hezbollah to mark execution of prominent Saudi Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr
Hezbollah is set to mark six years since the execution of Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr on Wednesday, amid diplomatic tensions between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia
2 min read
Nimr al-Nimr was executed on 2 January 2016 [Getty]
Members of Hezbollah will on WednesdayÌýmarkÌýsixÌýyears since theÌý of prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Al-Nimr,Ìýaccording to reports, amid heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon.
The event will markÌýsix years since Riyadh'sÌýexecution ofÌýAl-Nimr, a popular figure among Saudi Shia Muslims whose execution sparkedÌýangry protests in neighbouring Iran.
The Hezbollah event -Ìýdubbed "the Opposition Meeting in the Arabian Peninsula" - will be held in the Mujtaba area of Beirut's southern suburbs.
It appears to be in response to the launch of the so-called "National Council to Confront the Iranian Occupation", which was recently formed by around 200 signatories with its head office led by former Lebanese MP and minister Ahmed Fatfat, according toÌýAl-Modon.
Saudi Arabia executed , a renowned Shia clericÌýwho often criticised the ruling family, on 2 January 2016,Ìýon "terrorism" charges.
He was executedÌýdue to his support of the mass anti-government protests that took place in the Eastern province of Qatif, where a Shia majority have long complained of marginalisation.
Wednesday'sÌýeventÌýwill take place amid tensions between , where the Hezbollah leader accused the Gulf country of "terrorism" and "spreading ISIS ideology" in a recent speech.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati saidÌýNasrallah's comments didÌý"not serve the national interest" or "represent the country's official stance".
Lebanon and Saudi Arabia have been experiencing a series of diplomatic rifts since late October 2021.
The Saudi governmentÌý its ambassador to Lebanon following remarks byÌýLebanon's thenÌýMinister of Information, , whoÌýcriticised the Gulf country’s involvement in the Yemeni civil war.
Saudi Arabia, along with other , also banned Lebanese imports, dealing a blow to Lebanon's struggling economy.
On 15 December, Lebanon’s Interior Minister Bassam Al-Mawlawi ordered the of non-Lebanese members of the outlawed Shia-majority Bahraini opposition party Al-Wefaq to avoid more tensionÌýwith Gulf countries.
The Gulf has concerns over growing dominance in Lebanese politics by the Shia paramilitary movement Hezbollah, which the GCC classifies as a terrorist organisation.
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