2. Saudi Arabia
In 2016, Saudi Arabia that ranks second on our list of countries without freedom of assembly executed more than 150 people for various crimes. One of them was Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, a prominent Shiite cleric arrested in 2012. Sheikh was also considered a political dissident by the regime, which is another reason for his execution. He was arrested for organizing an anti-government protest, demanding the end of religious intolerance in the kingdom. His death sparked several smaller protests in Eastern Province, which were quickly dealt with by the security forces. The lack of the freedom of assembly in Saudi Arabia is becoming bigger concern every year, as the government cracks down on the opposition in fear of Arabian Spring.
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