Saudi Arabia Executes Three Individuals, Nearing 280 Executions in 2024
On Thursday, November 21, 2024, Saudi authorities carried out the execution of three individuals: Saleh Al-Sayari, Ali Al-Sayari, and Mutab Al-Sayari. The Ministry of Interior announced that the executions were based on charges related to “terrorism” and “conspiracy against the state.” However, the human rights organization Sanad believes these charges are systematically used as a cover to suppress dissenting voices and settle political scores, amid an alarming surge in the unprecedented use of the death penalty.
This year alone, the number of executions in Saudi Arabia has exceeded 275 cases—a deeply concerning figure that signals a dangerous escalation in human rights violations in the Kingdom. In recent months, Saudi authorities have carried out executions for charges deemed illogical, such as executing a Shia individual accused of belonging to Al-Qaeda. The government also executed Dhafir Al-Shahri over a social media post, reflecting how freedom of expression is criminalized and equated with terrorism in Saudi Arabia.
In response, Sanad has strongly condemned the recent executions, describing them as a continuation of systematic repressive policies aimed at silencing dissent at any cost. The organization called on the international community and United Nations bodies to take urgent action to halt these grave violations, including pressing Saudi authorities to cease arbitrary death sentences and ensure fair trials free from politicization or revenge motives.
Sanad also urged a thorough review of all death penalty cases that were adjudicated without adherence to international standards for fair trials. The organization called for the immediate release of all prisoners of conscience who remain behind bars solely for exercising their right to peaceful expression.
The organization further emphasized that the international community’s continued silence in the face of these arbitrary practices emboldens the Saudi regime to perpetuate more crimes against humanity. The escalating executions demonstrate that the Saudi government uses capital punishment as a tool for intimidation and political elimination, in blatant disregard of international laws and human rights. This dire situation demands an urgent and decisive international response.
