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Human rights activists saw al-Nimr not as an insurgent but as a dissenter and were appalled at the sentence.
Amnesty International said the case against him was part of a systematic effort by the majority Sunni government to crush Shia voices.
His execution prompted the U.S. State Department to call on Saudi Arabia to respect human rights and permit peaceful dissent.
"We are particularly concerned that the execution of (al-Nimr) risks exacerbating sectarian tensions at a time when they urgently need to be reduced," spokesman John Kirby said.
In response to the Saudi foreign minister's announcement severing ties with Iran on Sunday, Kirby said the United States believes diplomatic engagement is essential and "will continue to urge leaders across the region to take affirmative steps to calm tensions."
European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini said al-Nimr's case raised "serious concerns regarding freedom of expression and the respect of basic civil and political rights."
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was "deeply dismayed" by the executions and called again for an end to the death penalty. He called on leaders in the region to prevent an escalation of sectarian tensions.
CNN's Elise Labott, Azadeh Ansari, Michael Pearson, Shirzad Bozorgmehr, Salma Abdelazziz, Richard Roth, Steve Almasy, Sara Mazloumsaki and Kevin Bohn contributed to this report.
Saudi Arabia severs ties with Iran as protests rage - CNN.com
Amnesty International said the case against him was part of a systematic effort by the majority Sunni government to crush Shia voices.
His execution prompted the U.S. State Department to call on Saudi Arabia to respect human rights and permit peaceful dissent.
"We are particularly concerned that the execution of (al-Nimr) risks exacerbating sectarian tensions at a time when they urgently need to be reduced," spokesman John Kirby said.
In response to the Saudi foreign minister's announcement severing ties with Iran on Sunday, Kirby said the United States believes diplomatic engagement is essential and "will continue to urge leaders across the region to take affirmative steps to calm tensions."
European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini said al-Nimr's case raised "serious concerns regarding freedom of expression and the respect of basic civil and political rights."
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was "deeply dismayed" by the executions and called again for an end to the death penalty. He called on leaders in the region to prevent an escalation of sectarian tensions.
CNN's Elise Labott, Azadeh Ansari, Michael Pearson, Shirzad Bozorgmehr, Salma Abdelazziz, Richard Roth, Steve Almasy, Sara Mazloumsaki and Kevin Bohn contributed to this report.
Saudi Arabia severs ties with Iran as protests rage - CNN.com