Over 270 Executions in Saudi Arabia Since Early 2024, Including One for a Tweet

Amid ongoing repressive practices, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a shocking rise in executions, exceeding 270 cases since the beginning of 2024. Among these was the execution of Dhafir Al-Shahri over a tweet, reflecting an unprecedented level of oppressive policies.

Saudi authorities treat any dissenting opinion or criticism as terrorism, justifying capital punishment against peaceful critics. Human rights reports indicate that prominent figures like Dr. Salman Al-Ouda, Awad Al-Qarni, and Ali Al-Omari are at risk of execution in what is considered the most extensive crackdown in Saudi Arabia’s history.

In another concerning development, Saudi authorities executed a Shia citizen on charges of affiliation with Al-Qaeda. These accusations raise serious doubts about the judiciary’s fairness and potential evidence fabrication in such cases. This incident further highlights the use of the judicial system as a political tool to target opponents and individuals based on sectarian or political differences, with charges lacking transparency or credibility.

Sanad Human Rights Organization has called on the international community and human rights organizations to pressure Saudi authorities to halt these unjust executions, often carried out against individuals for expressing their opinions. The organization stressed that such actions are blatant violations of human rights and freedom of expression, drawing increasing international criticism.

Sanad also pointed out that the trials leading to executions often fall far short of basic justice standards. Defendants are routinely denied their fundamental rights to defense, with convictions based on vague and unsubstantiated charges.

The organization sees these executions as part of a systematic policy to suppress dissent and criminalize opposing views. Expressing opinions on social media platforms, such as tweeting on “X” (formerly Twitter), has become a crime classified as “terrorism” by the Saudi regime. This is a deliberate strategy to instill fear within society and stifle any form of peaceful opposition.