Under the title "Human Rights Priorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," the European Saudi Organization for Human Rights participated in organizing a seminar on the sidelines of the fifty-fifth session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The seminar was moderated by Michael Khambata from the Gulf Center for Human Rights, with in person participation of Falah Al-Said from the Mena Group Organization and , Lucy McKeon from Human Rights Watch and remote participating of Lina Al-Hathloul from Al-Qist Organization, alongside the lead researcher at the European Saudi Organization for Human Rights, Duaa Dhainy.
Dhainy pointed out that discussing human rights in Saudi Arabia is a conversation about a reality that is difficult to monitor due to the lack of transparency on one hand, and the severe crackdown on human rights defenders, activists, and the prevention of any civil society activity on the other. Despite this, she clarified that serious violations of basic rights can be observed, and the death penalty, with its violation of the right to life, can be considered one of the most prominent manifestations of these violations.
The speech focused on Saudi Arabia's attempts to change its grim image in front of the world over the past years, especially with its bloody record in the death penalty and suppression of basic freedoms. The death penalty stood at the forefront of these attempts, with official discussions across all levels, from the Crown Prince to human rights bodies, about radical changes that would affect the figures and the use of this punishment.
Dhainy listed the promises made by Saudi Arabia, from the repeated statements of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the promotion of new regulations and systems, in addition to the data and statements of official entities, most notably the official Human Rights Commission.
She pointed out that all these promises remained promises, and the implementation of the death penalty in Saudi Arabia continues in light of its failure to fulfill its regional and international obligations arising from the Arab Charter on Human Rights, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Convention against Torture.
The speech highlighted the fundamental aspects of the violations, including an 82% increase in the execution rate since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman took office in 2017, the continued execution of minors, and the use of confessions obtained under torture. It also noted that the European Saudi Organization for Human Rights only documented 5 cases before the implementation of sentences, accounting for only 2.8% of the total operations carried out in 2023, amidst the ongoing lack of transparency in the Saudi government's handling of the death penalty file. This confirms that the number of those sentenced to death is unknown.
However, the speech clarified that the organization is currently monitoring 66 cases of individuals facing the risk of execution, including 9 minors. According to the information, 2 of the minors, Abdullah Aldurazi and Jalal Albadd, have final judgments, and therefore, execution could be carried out at any moment. Meanwhile, 7 other minors are awaiting approval from the Supreme Court.
The speech noted that since the beginning of 2024, until today, which is within two months since the beginning of the year, Saudi Arabia has executed 36 individuals, 10 of whom were tried under the notorious Anti-Terrorism Law in the Specialized Criminal Court.
Dhainy concluded that reviewing the numbers and facts confirms that Saudi Arabia's repeated promises have not led to real changes or protection for those sentenced to death. Saudi Arabia, which claims to want to welcome the world and organize its biggest events, continues to be a state that executes children, protesters, and political detainees.