Thousands of people took to the streets of Qatif, in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, protesting for 'freedom' and 'justice' for imprisoned cleric, Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr.

The cleric has been detained since July 2012, when he was shot and arrested for criticising Saudi Arabia's ruling family. There have been allegations that the Shia cleric has been tortured.

This week has also seen two demonstrators sentenced to prison for their participation in protests in Qatif. Is is unknown how many Shia Muslims face similar charges, the number is thought to be high.

Anti-government protests have intensified further since November 2011, when security forces opened fire on protestors in Qatif, killing five people and leaving scores more injured.

Activists say there are over 30,000 political prisoners in Saudi Arabia. The governorate in eastern Saudi Arabia has seen an increase in mass demonstations since February 2011, with protestors calling for political reform.