Skip to main content

Saudi Arabia executes seven for terrorism-related crimes

1 min 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.

According to several organizations, executions have significantly increased since King Salman came to power in 2015 © Mena Today 

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.

Tags

Related

Sudan

Sudan war enters fourth year: What to know

On April 15, 2026, the war in Sudan entered its fourth year, a grim milestone that passed largely unnoticed, overshadowed by conflicts elsewhere. Yet the United Nations has called it unequivocally the world's worst humanitarian crisis. 

Saudi Arabia

Riyadh protests drone threats from Iraqi soil

Saudi Arabia said on Sunday it had summoned Iraq's ambassador over what it described as threats targeting the kingdom and other Gulf states from drones launched from Iraqi territory.

GCC

GCC economy posts solid growth in Q3 2025

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economy maintained solid momentum in the third quarter of 2025, with nominal GDP reaching approximately US$595 billion, representing annual growth of 2.2 percent compared to the same period in 2024, according to data from GCC-Stat.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Mena banner 4

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.