Protests As Saudi 'Plans To Execute 50 People'

Around 1,000 Shi'ite protesters have gathered at a Saudi mosque as officials plan to execute more than 50 prisoners in a single day, reports say.

The demonstrators assembled at Imam Hussein Mosque in Awamiya, a largely Shi'ite town in the oil-producing Eastern Province, to demand the release of activists on death row.

They also closed off roads in the area with burning debris, residents said.

Those about to be put to death reportedly include Ali al Nimr, who was only 17 when he was arrested in 2012.

He was sentenced to death for his part in anti-government protests, including breaking allegiance to the king and rioting.

His case has drawn international condemnation because of his age, as well as allegations he was tortured and did not have a fair trial.

Al Nimr's family say they fear "the government is serious, very serious" about carrying out the sentence.

Amnesty International said al Nimr is among more than 50 people at risk of being put to death in a single day.

His mother and the mothers of other prisoners called on King Salman for clemency after learning of their impending executions, the rights group said.

Al Nimr is one of three Shi'ite protesters who were minors at the time of their arrest and have been sentenced to death. They have exhausted all appeals.

Their fate rests with King Salman who must give final approval before the death sentences are carried out.

Saudi Arabia's Okaz newspaper said 55 people were awaiting execution for "terrorist crimes" that killed more than 100 civilians and 71 security personnel.

On Monday, the semi-official newspaper al Riyadh reported that 52 people would be put to death soon, but later pulled the story from its website without explanation.

Some of those facing execution were affiliated with al Qaeda, Okaz said. Others are from Awamiya, where the government has suppressed Shi'ite demonstrations for equal rights.

Saudi Arabia has already executed over 150 people this year, mostly by public beheading, the most in 20 years, according to Amnesty.