Saudi Arabia: Start of executions for drug crimes ‘very sad’, UN rights office says

Spokeswoman Liz Throssell said the killings had been happening daily for the past two weeks, following the end of a 21-month official ban.

“The initiation of executions for drug-related offenses in Saudi Arabia is a deeply regrettable step, all the more so coming a few days after the majority of States in the UN General Assembly called for a moratorium on the death penalty worldwide ,” he said. designer in Geneva.

17 murders to date

Since 10 November, Saudi Arabia has executed 17 men for so-called drug and contraband offences, including three on Monday.

Those killed so far are four Syrians, three Pakistanis, three Jordanians, and seven Saudis.

As executions are confirmed after they take place, OHCHR does not have information on how many people may be on death row in the country.

Stop the imminent execution

However, Ms. Throssell said they had received reports that a Jordanian man, Hussein abo al-Kheir, may be in imminent danger.

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has already accepted his case and found his detention to be unlawful and arbitrary. Rights experts also note serious concerns related to his right to a fair trial.

“We urge the Government of Saudi Arabia to halt the imminent execution of al-Kheir and to comply with the Working Group’s recommendation by canceling his death sentence, releasing him immediately and unconditionally, and ensuring that he receives medical treatment, compensation and benefits. another amendment,” said.

Against international law

Mrs. Throssell emphasized that imposing the death penalty for drug offenses is inconsistent with international norms and standards.

“We call on the Saudi authorities to adopt a formal moratorium on executions for drug-related crimes, to commute death sentences for drug-related crimes, and to ensure the right to justice for all the defendant, including those accused of such crimes, is in line with its international obligations,” he said.