US expresses concern over Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr execution

The US urged leaders in the region to 'redouble efforts' to reduce  tensions in the area.

"We have seen the Saudi government's announcement that it executed 47 people. We have previously expressed our concerns about the legal process in Saudi Arabia and have frequently raised these concerns at high levels of the Saudi Government. We reaffirm our calls on the Government of Saudi Arabia to respect and protect human rights, and to ensure fair and transparent judicial proceedings in all cases," US state spokesman John Kirby  said in a statement.

"The United States also urges the Government of Saudi Arabia to permit peaceful expression of dissent and to work together with all community leaders to defuse tensions in the wake of these executions.‎We are particularly concerned that the execution of prominent Shia cleric and political activist Nimr al-Nimr risks exacerbating sectarian tensions at a time when they urgently need to be reduced," he said.

"In this context, we reiterate the need for leaders throughout the region to redouble efforts aimed at de-escalating regional tensions," he said.

According to reports, protesting against the executions, Iranian protesters set Saudi embassy building in Tehran in fire.

Saudi Arabia has executed 47 people on Saturday in connection with terrorism charges, media reports said.

Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr was among the 47 people executed by Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has executed the prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr,  BBC reported quoting the country's interior ministry.

Nimr , whose death sentence was confirmed in October last year, was a supporter of the mass anti-government protests which had erupted in Eastern Province in 2011.