On June 27, after the death of Sunni Crown Prince Nayyef, Shia cleric Nimr Al-Nimr celebrated the monarch's death. He spoke of the oppression Shia Saudis face in modern Saudi Arabia. The dissident cleric severely condemned the ruling monarchy.
In response, police arrested Nimr Al-Nimr on July 8 on disputed convictions of conspiracy. He is seen in the first video at the time of arrest, shot in the leg by police.
The recent arrest sparked massive protest in the city of Qatif, which may have taken the Saudi monarchy by surprise. However, police were quick to openly shoot on protesters, killing and injuring civilians engaged in peaceful protest.
Qatif, however, engaged in protests earlier this year. Protesters in December 2011, in February 2012, and in May 2012 demonstrate against arbitrary incarcerations in the region.
As oppression increases, however, some of the protests have become violent.
Activists encourage peaceful demonstration and insist that the conflict is non-sectarian. Will Shia and Sunni Saudi citizens be able to stand together to demand their rights?
