Three Political Executions in Less Than a Week: Saudi Arabia Executes Abdulrahim Al-Khurmani and Turki Al-Mutairi
On Monday, August 4, 2025, Saudi authorities carried out the execution of citizens Abdulrahim bin Hamad Al-Khurmani and Turki bin Hilal Al-Mutairi. These executions mark the 24th and 25th politically motivated executions this year, and the third within just a week — part of a broader trend of over 235 executions since the start of 2025, signaling an alarming escalation in the use of the judiciary to carry out state killings.
According to the Ministry of Interior’s statement, both individuals faced charges such as “joining terrorist organizations,” “firing at security forces,” and “manufacturing explosives.” However, the statement lacked details of specific incidents or supporting evidence.
Sanad Human Rights Organization warns that such broad and vague accusations have become a systematic tool used by Saudi authorities against those with independent views or political dissent — especially amid the absence of transparency and fair trial standards. Previous cases, such as the execution of journalist Turki Al-Jasser over social media activity, underscore this dangerous pattern.
Sanad stresses that none of the charges mentioned legally justify the death penalty, especially given the lack of references to specific legal articles that permit such executions. This underscores the political nature of the Saudi regime’s use of capital punishment.
These executions reflect a broader policy of using the judiciary to eliminate political opposition and silence dissent — in blatant violation of international law and the fundamental right to life.
Sanad strongly condemns these executions and reiterates that the growing number of politically driven death sentences signals a complete collapse of judicial independence in Saudi Arabia. The organization calls for:
An immediate halt to all political and discretionary executions
Full transparency on trial details and adherence to fair trial standards
Independent international oversight of judicial proceedings
Accountability for all officials involved in issuing and carrying out death sentences — including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
