Together for Justice Condemns Secretive Executions in Saudi Arabia Amid Deep Concerns Over Legal Irregularities

Together for Justice expresses its unequivocal condemnation of the recent execution of two Saudi nationals, Mohammed bin Dhafer bin Nasser Al-Amri and Abdullah bin Khadher bin Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, carried out under charges related to the kingdom’s widely criticized anti-terrorism law. This law, which has been condemned by numerous human rights organizations and international legal experts, is notorious for its vague definitions and frequent misuse to suppress dissent and silence opposition.

As has become a disturbing pattern in Saudi Arabia, these executions were carried out without transparency or adherence to international legal standards. The official announcement revealed only the names of the individuals executed, omitting critical details such as the dates of their arrests, the nature of their alleged offenses, their ages, or the evidence presented against them. This secrecy not only deprives the public of the right to scrutinize the fairness of the judicial process but also fuels doubts about the legitimacy of the convictions.

What makes this case particularly alarming is the Saudi government’s continued imposition of total secrecy over the proceedings. No information about the trials, the evidence used, or the judicial reasoning was made available to independent observers, journalists, or even the families of the accused. This lack of transparency denies the defendants the possibility of a fair defense and undermines trust in the judicial system.

The executions were carried out abruptly, with no prior announcement of the final verdict or the date of execution. Such practices reflect a systemic disregard for international norms of justice and accountability. These actions raise serious concerns that the death penalty in Saudi Arabia is being used as a tool for political repression rather than a means of justice.

Saudi Arabia’s over-reliance on the death penalty is not a new phenomenon. In this year only, 2024, the country executed at least 198 individuals, according to international human rights organizations—a record high in three decades. These executions often follow trials that fail to meet international standards, with many defendants convicted based on forced confessions extracted under torture or duress.

The broader context of human rights in Saudi Arabia adds to the gravity of these concerns. The kingdom continues to suppress freedom of expression, detain activists and journalists, and subject peaceful dissidents to harsh punishments, including the death penalty. Saudi authorities routinely use vague laws, such as those related to counterterrorism, to target individuals for expressing opinions or participating in peaceful activities.

Together for Justice urges the international community to take immediate and decisive action to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its flagrant disregard for human rights and legal norms. We call for an independent investigation into this case and all recent executions in Saudi Arabia, to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in the judicial process.

Furthermore, we call on Saudi authorities to halt all executions immediately and to implement meaningful reforms that bring its legal and judicial systems in line with international human rights standards. The use of secret trials, lack of access to defense, and reliance on coercive confessions must end if Saudi Arabia seeks to improve its standing in the international community.

These executions not only highlight the systemic flaws within Saudi Arabia’s justice system but also serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global action. Together for Justice remains committed to advocating for the abolition of the death penalty and the protection of fundamental human rights in Saudi Arabia and beyond.