Saudi Arabia announced the execution of seven people on Tuesday for crimes linked to
“terrorism”
, the highest number of executions in one day in the Gulf kingdom since those of 81 people in March 2022. This brings to 29 the number of executions in the country since the start of the year, including 11 in similar cases, according to a report established by AFP based on announcements made by the Saudi authorities.
The seven accused, whose nationality was not specified but whose names suggest that they could be Saudis, were convicted of
“having created and financed terrorist organizations and entities (...) in the aim of undermining the security and stability of society
,” the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported, citing a statement from the Interior Ministry.
Arrested between December 2019 and January 2022, they were executed in Riyadh, their death sentence having been confirmed by the Specialized Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, she added.
Increase in executions
The oil monarchy is among the countries that apply the death penalty the most.
In 2023, 170 people were executed there, compared to 147 the previous year.
A record 187 executions were recorded in 2019. In March 2022, the execution of 81 people in a single day, all for crimes linked to
“terrorism”
, sparked international outcry.
However, the Saudi authorities consider the executions, generally by beheading,
“compatible with Sharia (Islamic law)”
and necessary to
“maintain public order”
.
According to several organizations, executions have increased significantly since the coming to power in 2015 of King Salman, who has since given orders to his son Mohammed Ben Salman.