In a shocking and deeply disturbing move, Saudi Arabian authorities executed Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Qunibi on Saturday, solely for expressing his views and sympathies on social media. Al-Qunibi’s only “crime” was posting and sharing content that the Saudi government deemed supportive of groups they have labeled as terrorists. No material support, physical involvement, or substantial evidence was ever provided to justify such a draconian sentence—only the expression of thoughts online.
Abdullah Al-Qunibi was arrested on February 4, 2021, after Saudi authorities hacked into his Twitter account and discovered posts they deemed supportive of groups labeled as terrorists. After enduring over three years of arbitrary detention, during which he was subjected to an unfair trial devoid of due process, Al-Qunibi was sentenced to death. On August 10, 2024, he was executed, marking a tragic and unjust end to his ordeal.
Abdullah Al-Qunibi, a Saudi citizen, was executed for nothing more than engaging in online discussions and expressing his political opinions. The accusations against him stemmed from a few social media posts where he allegedly sympathized with individuals and groups, some of whom are political prisoners, that the Saudi regime considers adversarial. Despite the lack of any credible evidence of Al-Qunibi’s involvement in any criminal activities, and despite his actions being confined to social media, the Saudi government has demonstrated once again its brutal approach to silencing dissent.
This execution not only exemplifies the lengths to which the Saudi regime will go to suppress freedom of speech but also exposes the depths of its intolerance towards any form of perceived dissent. The execution of Al-Qunibi is a clear violation of basic human rights, reflecting a government that is more concerned with maintaining its authoritarian grip than upholding justice or the rule of law.
Together for Justice condemns this abhorrent act in the strongest terms possible. The killing of Abdullah Al-Qunibi for social media activity is an affront to humanity and a chilling reminder of the repressive environment in Saudi Arabia. It is unacceptable that in this day and age, expressing an opinion online can result in the ultimate punishment—death.
The Saudi judicial system is notorious for its corruption and lack of due process. Trials are often held behind closed doors, with defendants denied proper legal representation, and confessions frequently obtained through torture. Abdullah Al-Qunibi’s case is no different—he was subjected to a sham trial, devoid of fairness, transparency, or justice, culminating in an execution that has shocked the conscience of the international community.
Together for Justice calls upon the global community to not only condemn this execution but to take immediate action. We urge all human rights organizations, international bodies, and governments to apply maximum pressure on the Saudi regime to end its barbaric practices. We call for an immediate moratorium on all executions in Saudi Arabia and a comprehensive overhaul of its judicial system to ensure fairness, transparency, and respect for human rights.
Furthermore, we call on the United Nations to launch an independent investigation into Saudi Arabia’s use of the death penalty, particularly in cases where the charges are based solely on freedom of expression. It is imperative that the international community speaks out against these grave injustices and takes concrete steps to prevent further violations.