Watan- Saudi Arabia continues to defy international human rights norms by carrying out executions, the latest being the execution of a citizen in the Eastern Province, as reported by Watanserb. The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced on Monday evening the execution of Rashed bin Ahmed bin Rashed Al Bouainain, a Saudi national, for the murder of another individual named Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Rashed Al Bouainain.
The ministry detailed that the perpetrator had stabbed the victim in the chest over a previous dispute, leading to the latter’s death. The security authorities arrested the assailant, and after a thorough investigation, he was tried and sentenced to death. The verdict was upheld by the appellate court and the Supreme Court, followed by a royal order to carry out the execution.
However, the European Saudi Organization for Human Rights expressed concerns over the execution practices in Saudi Arabia. The organization cited statements from UN rapporteurs asserting that the criteria for carrying out death penalties in Saudi Arabia do not align with international law requirements. The organization highlighted concerns for minors facing execution, particularly those under 18 years of age.
Among those at risk is Abdullah Al-Darazi from Al-Qatif, who was arrested in 2014 without an arrest warrant, isolated in solitary confinement, and subjected to torture. He was later tried in a terrorism court and sentenced to death, even though he was only 17 at the time.
The organization emphasized that executing any minor is arbitrary and unlawful killing. Despite a royal decree in 2020 ending capital punishment for minors, the Saudi courts have continued to uphold such sentences, violating both the decree and international conventions on child rights and against torture.
Notably, many scholars, preachers, and celebrities in Saudi Arabia have been detained without clear charges or revelations about their fate.