détente which failed to sustain the improved rights of the Shi'ite population. The Arab Spring would resonate with these Shi'ites, with protests later erupting with increased fervour. The Arab Spring - Present Day The Arab Spring gave momentum to demonstrations in Saudi Arabia; in 2011, protests across the Eastern Province increased in intensity. At least 16 Shi'ites were killed in these demonstrations. Whilst protests in the Arab Spring employed the phrase, "ash-shaʻb yurīd isqāṭ an-niẓām" ('the people want the downfall of the regime'), the demonstrations in the Eastern Province were initially moderate in comparison. Some placards read "we do not plan to overthrow the regime". Instead, Shi'ites demonstrated for reform, seeking to improve their status and rights under the Saudi regime. By 2012, the tone of these protests became more aggressive, with slogans calling for the death of Minister of Interior, Nayef bin Abdulaziz for his anti-Shi'ite policies and rhetoric. Shi'ite Shaykh Nimr al-Nimr had been involved in encouraging demonstrations. In 2011, al-Nimr called for protests to remain peaceful, stating that "the weapon of the word is stronger than bullets". As protests continued, al-Nimr became the movement's "figurehead". On 8 July 2012, while protesting at Al-Awamiyah, al-Nimr was shot in the leg and arrested by the police. Protests subsequently intensified, but were eventually suppressed by Saudi forces towards the end of August, 2012. In response to the uprising, the Saudi government did go some way to grant concessions. The regime spent $130 billion to increase salaries, develop housing, fund religious organisations and boost infrastructure, "effectively neutralizing most opposition". Despite the reforms, in 2015, a new decree was passed further restricting the Shi'ite courts' authority and limiting the legal representation of Shi'ites. The decree granted Sunni courts with the power to override the Shi'ite courts' judgements. In January 2016, the Saudi government executed al-Nimr, angering many Shi'ites and drawing criticisms by various human rights organisations worldwide, including Amnesty International. In December 2020, the government called for the demolition of the mosque where al-Nimr used to lead prayers and deliver sermons. In 2017, tensions once again broke out between the Saudi security forces and the Shi'ite residents of Qatif, culminating into the 2017–2020 Qatif unrest. This period of unrest refers to a series of skirmishes, which saw the destruction of entire residential areas in Al-Awamiyah. In July 2017, 4 Shi'ite men were sentenced to death for clashing with security forces in the