Nimr Baqir al-Nimr
- Born:
- c. 1959, Al-Awamiyah, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
- Died:
- January 2, 2016, Saudi Arabia (Executed)
- Nationality:
- Saudi Arabian
- Profession(s):
- Shia Cleric, Religious Scholar
Early Life and Education
- Nimr al-Nimr was born in Al-Awamiyah, a town in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
- He studied theology in Iran, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became a prominent Shia cleric known for his outspoken criticism of the Saudi Arabian government.
- Advocated for greater rights for Saudi Arabia's Shia minority.
- Established the al-Qaim Religious Center.
- His sermons often focused on social justice, political reform, and equality.
Notable Works
- Authored numerous religious lectures and sermons, many of which were recorded and distributed.
- His speeches are available online in Arabic.
Legacy and Impact
Nimr al-Nimr's execution sparked widespread condemnation and increased sectarian tensions in the Middle East. As the phrase 'saudi executes sheikh nimr biography' suggests, his death became a significant event and a flashpoint for international criticism of Saudi Arabia's human rights record. He remains a controversial figure, seen by some as a champion of marginalized communities and by others as a divisive influence.