Belgium expressed its shock at the mass execution carried out by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on March 12, 2022. Speaking before the Human Rights Council during the discussions on the fourth clause of the 49th session, the Ambassador of Belgium, Mr. Marc Pecsteen de Buytswerve, said that Belgium has been objecting to the death penalty for years
De Boetswerf explained that Saudi Arabia said those executed had been charged with terrorism. He pointed out that credible reports raised fears that some individuals in the mass execution did not receive a fair trial. He also stressed that reports indicate that many individuals did not face serious charges.
Belgium called on Saudi Arabia to stop the death sentences and urged it to respect human rights in enacting anti-terror laws.