The execution number in Saudi Arabia is increasing day by day. In 2024, the nation has executed more than 198 people. This figure is instantly increasing from previous years. However, the government has promised to lessen the use of the death penalty. But don’t fulfill it and increase the cases of the death penalty. Most of these executions were due to drug crimes. On average, it is concluded from July data that one person was executed every two days.
The government of this nation is also using executions to prevent people from political protests. Those who speak against politics face serious punishment. Particularly against the Shi’a minority, who protested between 2011 and 2013. This highlights that Saudi Arabia violated human rights and made fake tries to improve their image on a global level. Worldwide leaders greatly opposed the nation for not fulfilling their promise and treated people harshly. Saudi officials must pay attention to these violations of human rights and make efforts to make the system equal for everyone.
Additionally, death penalty cases in Saudi Arabia also raise concerns. The increasing cases highlight that the nation’s legal system is not fair. Saudi leaders claimed that people got punishment for committing crimes such as participating in political protests.
Most of these executions are not legally correct. This highlights the urgent need to change the system of this nation and ensure fair retrials for those on death row. It is also important to follow all international rules and avoid using the death penalty.
The case of Abdulmajeed al-Nimr is a clear example of this. He was executed with a claim that he had a strong relationship with al-Qaeda. After this, the court document explored the facts. He was charged with supporting anti-government protests in a Shi’a-majority area. His punishment was increased to the death penalty from 9 years in prison.
The legal system of this nation is under threat, as the case of Al-Nimr on October 28, 2017, highlights it. He was under custody for many years and was not allowed to hire a lawyer.
In 2024, the number of execution cases is increasing from the previous number. This sudden increase from 2 to 54 within one year highlights the illegal justice system of Saudi Arabia. All of these executions were due to drug-related crimes. International leaders need to be aware of the Saudi officials for their illegal actions.
The number of people who were executed belongs to other nations. Foreigner executions are also a troubling trend in Saudi Arabia. For minor drug crimes, people were sentenced to death, mostly coming from Egypt. One prisoner named Omar was sentenced to death because he was found with 6 grams of powdered marijuana. This little amount of hashish changed his life from living to death.
According to Omar,
“I have asked many government officials about my case and what is happening, but no one has told me about the facts. My son turned 7 years old without my love and presence. And I felt that I had already lost my life. I want to know the facts of my case.”
Furthermore, the case of 4 men who were sentenced to death shows serious problems. During the time of their trial, they didn’t have to be allowed to talk to a lawyer. This lack of legal help played an important role in their conviction. After this court, he must have had a lawyer who spoke in his defense.
All of these execution cases demand a real change in the Saudi legal system and the need to improve the treatment of foreigners. The death penalty in all cases is not the right way and raises serious concerns about the justice system.