Saudi court postpones verdict on popular Shiite cleric who faces potential death sentence

FILE - In this Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012 file photo, a Saudi anti-government protester carries a poster with the image of jailed Shiite cleric Sheik Nimr al-Nimr during the funeral of three Shiite Muslims allegedly killed by Saudi security forces in the eastern town of al-Awamiya, Saudi Arabia. A court in Saudi Arabia has postponed issuing a verdict in a sensitive case against a popular Shiite cleric who faces charges that carry the death sentence. Al-Nimr’s brother Mohammed al-Nimr told The Associated Press that the verdict was delayed until Oct. 21. (AP Photo, File) (The Associated Press)

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – A Saudi Arabian court has postponed issuing a verdict in a sensitive case against a popular Shiite cleric who faces charges that carry the death sentence.

Sheik Nimr al-Nimr's brother Mohammed al-Nimr told The Associated Press that the verdict was delayed until Oct. 21. He says that for the first time since his arrest in July 2012, security officials barred the sheik from attending Tuesday's court session.

The prosecution is asking that al-Nimr be publicly crucified. He faces charges that include disobeying the ruler, firing on security forces and inciting protests.

The 54 year-old cleric is revered among many young Shiites in Saudi Arabia. He does not deny the political charges against him, but denies ever carrying weapons or calling for violence.