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Iranians stage nationwide rallies to protest Shiite cleric execution

Xinhua, January 8, 2016 Adjust font size:

Tens of thousands of Iranian staged nationwide rallies on Friday to protest the recent execution of a Shiite cleric by Saudi Arabia.

The demonstrations were held after the Friday prays in different parts of the country.

The rallies came at the call of Iran's Islamic Propaganda Coordination Council on Thursday against the execution of the prominent Shiite cleric, Nimr al-Nimr, in Saudi Arabia.

In the capital Tehran, protesters condemned the Saudi execution by chanting slogans against the kingdom, the United States and Israel, which they referred to as "allies" and "supporters" of the Saudi rulers.

The protesters also urged the Iranian Foreign Ministry to react the Saudi authorities' measure "determinedly."

The nationwide rallies came amid rapidly worsening relations between the two countries.

Riyadh severed diplomatic relations with Tehran on Monday after Iranian protesters stormed and set ablaze the Saudi embassy and consulate last Saturday against the execution.

On Thursday, the Iranian government approved to ban all types of goods produced by Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has also stopped all air traffic between Iran and placed a ban on citizens travelling there. Endit