Saudi Arabia announced on Tuesday the execution of seven individuals for crimes linked to "terrorism," marking the highest number of executions in a single day in the Gulf kingdom since the execution of 81 people in March 2022.
According to several organizations, executions have significantly increased since King Salman came to power in 2015 © Mena Today
Saudi Arabia announced on Tuesday the execution of seven individuals for crimes linked to "terrorism," marking the highest number of executions in a single day in the Gulf kingdom since the execution of 81 people in March 2022.
The seven individuals, whose nationality was not specified but whose names suggest they could be Saudis, were convicted of "establishing and financing terrorist organizations and entities... with the aim of undermining the security and stability of society," reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), citing a statement from the Ministry of Interior.
Arrested between December 2019 and January 2022, they were executed in Riyadh, with their death sentences confirmed by the Specialized Appeals Court and the Supreme Court, the SPA added.
The oil-rich monarchy is among the countries that most frequently apply the death penalty. In 2023, 170 people were executed there, up from 147 the previous year. A record of 187 executions was recorded in 2019. In March 2022, the execution of 81 individuals in a single day, all for terrorism-related crimes, sparked international outcry.
Saudi authorities, however, maintain that the executions, usually by beheading, are "in accordance with Sharia (Islamic law)" and necessary to "maintain public order."
According to several organizations, executions have significantly increased since King Salman came to power in 2015, subsequently handing over control to his son, Mohammed bin Salman.
Anwar Gargash, the influential diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, met Monday in Paris with Anne Claire Le Jeune, the newly appointed president of the Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA), praising the cultural institution for its role in "strengthening cultural and civilisational dialogue between the Arab world and Europe."
Saudi Arabia launched Riyadh Air on Wednesday, with its inaugural flight departing King Khalid International Airport at 2:35am bound for London Heathrow, marking the culmination of more than four years of preparation and a bold challenge to Gulf aviation giants Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad.
The stakes in the confrontation with Iran extend far beyond the Middle East. If Tehran emerges from this crisis looking stronger, the damage will not be confined to Israel or the Gulf.
To make this website run properly and to improve your experience, we use cookies. For more detailed information, please check our Cookie Policy.
Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.