Arabian Peninsula Opposition bloc demands comprehensive change

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In memory of Sheikh Nimr Baqir Al-Nimr's martyrdom, the Arabian Peninsula Opposition bloc announced the launch of the Conference of the Opposition in the Arabian Peninsula.

During the conference held in the southern suburb of Beirut, Abbas Al-Sadiq, a member of the Arabian Peninsula Opposition bloc, pointed out that Saudi Arabia is witnessing unprecedented forms of high prices and deteriorating political rights.

Al-Sadiq stressed that the current status quo doubles the responsibility of every free and honorable person to take a stand, noting that the opposition is aware that the Saudi regimes' projects serve Western establishments more than Saudi citizens.

The member of the opposition bloc indicated that this conference is not a result of the moment but has been working for years to confront the brutal policies of the Saudi regime, adding that this meeting seeks to lift the injustice and achieve justice.

He also affirmed that the nation's issues are a top priority for the conference, at the forefront of which is the Palestinian cause and the rejection of normalization with the Israeli occupation.

Speaking at a conference of the #Saudi opposition in the southern suburb of #Beirut, member of the Arabian Peninsula Opposition bloc, Abbas Al-Sadiq, stressed that the current status quo doubles the responsibility of every free and honorable person to take a stand. https://t.co/ccHNCwNeDV

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 12, 2022

A comprehensive change

For his part, the opposition bloc official Jassem Al-Mohammad Ali emphasized that the Arabian Peninsula is going through existential threats, adding that Saudi King Salman's era has distorted the Islamic image through the Saudi regime's intelligence, media, and cultural apparatus.

Another opposition official, Fouad Ibrahim, underlined that a comprehensive change is required, highlighting that change is people's responsibility as they are the deciders of the system's form.

Former Lebanese MP: Stop Saudi Arabia's aggression against Lebanon

In his speech, the Head of the Arab Progressive Front and former Lebanese MP, Najah Wakim, indicated that the suffering of the people of the Arabian Peninsula is no less than that of the Palestinians', adding that Saudi Arabia's role in the Israeli invasion of Lebanon was painful and clear.
 
Addressing "those who accuse us of attacking Saudi Arabia," Wakim called for stopping "Saudi Arabia's aggression against Lebanon," revealing that the Kingdom took from Lebanon interests worth more than $45 billion and gave back Lebanon only $1 billion as a deposit.

Speaking at a conference of the #Saudi opposition in the southern suburb of Beirut, the Head of the Arab Progressive Front, Najah Wakim, said: “Saudi Arabia took from Lebanon interests worth more than $45 billion and gave back #Lebanon only $1 billion as a deposit.” https://t.co/KrEz90biEX

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 12, 2022

Hunaina to the Lebanese Minister of Interior: What you’re doing won’t earn you the PM position

In his turn, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Assembly of Muslim Scholars, Ghazi Hunaina, said that "many scholars have stood strong and sacrificed, so they were immortalized in history," noting that "the stand today resembles standing with the Prophet's approach that was embodied by the late Sheikh Al-Nimr."

Hunaina added, "Whoever accuses us of meddling in the affairs of states, we tell them [referring to the Minister of Interior] that what you are doing will not earn you the position of a prime minister." 

"As long as there is Resistance in Lebanon and a leader of the Resistance, the government will be formed in Lebanon, and we advise the minister not to push things too far."

It is noteworthy that the Lebanese Interior Minister Bassam Al-Mawlawi commented on the Saudi opposition conference on the anniversary of the execution of the Saudi reformist, Nimr Baqir Al-Nimr, saying, "We will make sure Lebanese law is implemented."

Mawlawi said, "All dealings should be in accordance with the Lebanese constitution, which prohibits disturbing Lebanon's relations with the brotherly Arab countries.”

He added, "We will issue the necessary instructions and inform whoever will participate in the meeting not to attack the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under penalty of law.” The Interior Minister also stressed that they “will inspect the residency papers and whether the presence of non-Lebanese on Lebanese territory is legal as per the necessary legal measures."

Top Hezbollah official: Martyr Al-Nimr did not carry out a military coup, neither did he carry a gun or shoot a bullet

The Head of Hezbollah's Executive Council, Hashem Safi Al-Din, confirmed that "the martyr Sheikh Al-Nimr did not carry out a military coup, neither did he carry a gun or shoot a bullet," adding that "the minimum required [in his memory] is to say a word of truth in the face of a tyrant ruler."

Safi Al-Din added that "in light of the crimes and tragedies in the Arabian Peninsula and our entire nation, voices must be raised in the face of the perpetrations of the family of Al Saud," stressing that saying a word of truth does not mean meddling in the affairs of Saudi Arabia and others, rather it is simply an act of defense in support of the oppressed.

The top Hezbollah official addressed those who are keen on maintaining good relationships with Saudi Arabia, saying, “All we want is that Saudi Arabia stops mistreating peoples," especially that it “is blatantly meddling in our country and we demand it not to incite the Lebanese against each other."

The Head of Hezbollah's Executive Council stressed that Saudi Arabia should stop inflicting harm on Lebanon. 

Addressing Saudi Arabia, Safi Al-Din said, "If you think you can deal with certain parties by robbing their dignity in exchange for money, then you should know very well that the people of Lebanon are filled with dignity and honor."

“Let the USA, the West, and Saudi Arabia hear this; so far, you have not experienced the true nature of this Resistance armed by the strength and faith of its people,” Hezbollah top official reiterated. 

Sayyed Hashem Safi Al-Din speaking at a conference of the #Saudi opposition in the southern suburb of #Beirut, “The pawns of America should be well aware that this Resistance is capable of maintaining a free, honorable homeland without reliance on the outside." https://t.co/5XTA2ppL83

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 12, 2022

He continued, "The pawns of America should be well aware that this Resistance is capable of maintaining a free, honorable homeland without reliance on the outside," adding that "we want the whole world to know that whoever targets the resistance even with one word shall hear the response."

Safi Al-Din reiterated full support for the opposition in the Arabian Peninsula.

Who is Sheikh Al-Nimr?

Sheikh Nimr Baqir Al-Nimr was a Muslim cleric in the Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia.

He was repeatedly suppressed by Saudi authorities until he was convicted following an unfair political trial at the Saudi Specialized Criminal Court (SCC).

The Saudi Arabian authorities executed Al-Nimr along with 46 other people on the same day, under the pretext of "fighting terror" just to oppress dissidents and opponents.

Sheikh Al-Nimr was a vocal critic of the Saudi government. The Saudi authorities arrested him in 2011 for participating in protests in the Eastern Province calling for political reform.

He was then re-arrested in July 2012, after he was chased and shot in the leg. After his arrest, demonstrations took place in Al-Qatif region to demand his immediate release.

The Sheikh raised his voice against corruption and political injustice inflicted on marginalized groups that constitute minorities in different regions of the Kingdom, notably Al-Qatif. 

Sheikh Al-Nimr put effort to educate people in the town of Al-Awamiya, in the Eastern Province. He also aimed to raise the level of women's participation in political and social life.

According to Amnesty International, "Saudi Arabia has long been one of the most prolific executioners in the world."

"In many death penalty cases defendants are denied access to a lawyer and in some cases, they are convicted on the basis of 'confessions' obtained under torture or other ill-treatment," Amnesty added.