Saudi Arabia

Al-Nimr was from a family known for its resistance to the regime, and was said to be gaining popularity, especially among the youth. The 56-year-old cleric had been held captive since 2012 and the high-profile campaign for his release was even backed by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and human rights organisation Amnesty International.

The kingdom seems unbothered by the furore. Executions there have gone up since King Salman ascended the throne last year.