Nowadays, the situation in Saudi Arabia is very worrying. This nation has executed 100 people from the start of this year to 15 July. The number of executed people is confirmed after the report from the European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights (ESOHR). It simply means that after every two days the execution occurs.
By comparing data from 2023, this year the number of executions is enhanced by 42 percent. In 2023 there were only 172 executions but in this year this number is expected to increase. This significant rise in executions suggests that Saudi Arabia is determined to use the death penalty extensively.
Additionally this approach strongly opposed the international laws and their official commitments to lessen the use of capital punishment. This increased number of executions also raised serious questions related to the country’s human rights and justice. One question is also raised as to why Saud Arabia increases the number of executions while other countries are moving away from the death penalty. This type of action points out a stark contrast to worldwide trends. It also put a question mark on their commitments to respect human rights. It is necessary for the international community to take action in order to address the country’s human rights violations.
It is also important to note that many executions occur secretly while only 3 individuals facing immediate execution have been identified. According to an organization in Saudi Arabia named as Reprieve, the relatives of the victims remain unaware that their loved ones are on the death row. This organization works on monitoring the death penalty cases in the kingdom.
This lack of transparency raises significant concerns about fairness and justice in the execution process. It underscores the need for greater openness and accountability in how executions are conducted, ensuring families and the public are informed and that legal procedures are followed openly and fairly.
ESOHR concluded that in 19 cases many important details are not shown openly. It includes the type of sentence and which court issued it. This hiding action of the Saudi authority clearly highlights that they avoid their responsibility, using the death penalty to control without limits. If these actions continue then it harms the accountability and also human rights. It is important for the nation to follow legal processes.
It is the first responsibility of government officials to ensure transparency in legal proceedings. It is necessary to uphold justice and human dignity. ESOHR’s expressed concern that it is important for the Saudi nation to prioritize transparency and also fulfill its international commitments. This priority ensures that this nation respects human rights.
In 2023, ESOHR and Reprieve collectively issued a report. According to them, Riyad’s rate of execution increases day by day after 2015, especially from when King Salman and his son came into power.
There are approximately 82% increases in the execution between 2015 to 2022.
It is also important to note that 7 Saudi men were executed at the same time at the start of this year. It was one of the largest single day executions since March 2022. In 2022 81 individuals were executed simultaneously.
However, it is also important to note that Saudi officials misuse the death penalty. They do this to silence the political opponents which strongly oppose international law. According to international laws, the death penalty is only acceptable in case of serious crimes but Sadu authorities ignore it.
Moreover, foreign nationals, particularly female domestic workers and individuals convicted of drug offenses, appear to be unfairly targeted and disproportionately sentenced to death.
This practice highlights the need to reform the Saudi justice system and also respect international legal standards.
In 2018, the crown prince promised to reduce the number of executions. But this promise is not fulfilled yet. Saudi Arabia is one of the top nations that has a high figure of executed people. It means that the promise was fake and hasn’t led to significant changes in the country’s approach to capital punishment.