Controversy Surrounding Saudi Arabian Executions

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is set to execute 55 people convicted terrorism. Saudi Arabia claims that the convicts were involved with al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups that have killed many since 2003. One of these terrorists was even reported to have attempted to purchase $1.5 million worth of nuclear material from Yemen. Also among those sentenced to death are protestors from the eastern town of Awamiya. The activists from this largely Shia town were protesting unequal rule and marginalization at the hands of Saudi rulers. Their actions were taken as attempts at destabilization by the Saudi government.  

These 55 executions come in a year where Saudi Arabia has already executed at least 150 people, the most since 1995. Sixty-three of the death penalty offenses were drug related and 71 of those executed were foreign nationals, many of whom were migrant workers.

Opponents of the executions argue that the Saudi government has prosecuted political enemies with the death penalty under the guise of terrorism, especially in the case of the Awamiya activists. Some of these activists had been convicted of the crimes as children and have described their confessions as being forced through torture.

Non-governmental organizations have called for called for dramatic changes to the Saudi legal system, with a priority on increased transparency. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian media has continued to focus on terrorism, especially recent attacks by al-Qaeda. The Saudi government has ignored controversy over the executions, instead reaffirming a commitment to security.