"Stopping the death sentence of ayatollah sheikh Nimr Baghir al-Nimr would dismay those who spread disagreement and boost unity between the Shiite and Sunni,” asserted ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani.
Pointing to regional situations as dire, he wrote "The unity of thought and the consolidation of Islamic sects will rid Muslims of the situation.”
"It is expected that in such circumstances when seditions have targeted the Islamic nation, preventing the prosecution of ayatollah sheikh Nimr Baqer al-Nimr would dismay those who work toward disintegration and help solve the problems of the Islamic world.”
"Muslims expect you to take such an action,” Hashemi stated.
