Saudi Arabia has executed a record number of people in 2024. On 6 October the figure hit 208, reports The Telegraph, eclipsing the previous high of 196, set in 2022.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi officials have repeatedly claimed capital punishment only applies to “the most serious crimes” in the Kingdom – statements revealed by the latest figures to be flatly untrue.
The death penalty has been used widely to crack down on anyone perceived to be critical of the monarchy and against child defendants including Abdullah Al-Derazi, Youssef Al-Manasif, and Abdullah Al-Howaiti, said Reprieve Deputy Director Harriet McCulloch.
“Their harsh sentences are a deterrent against others considering speaking out against the ruling family whether it is villagers evicted to make way for Neom, women’s rights defenders, children attending protests or social media influencers,” she said.
The surge in executions comes as member states prepare to vote for who will take a seat on the UN Human Rights Council.