Saudi Arabia Approves Execution of Three Men from Qatif Amid Human Rights Concerns

Saudi Arabia Approves Execution of Three Men from Qatif Amid Human Rights Concerns
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Saudi authorities have approved the death sentences for three young men from Qatif—Redha Mohammed Abu Abdullah, Fadhel Al-Safwani, and Ali Al-Safwani—sparking widespread condemnation from human rights organizations. These groups view the executions as part of ongoing violations disproportionately affecting the kingdom’s Shiite minority.

Rights sources report that the three were arrested at different times and allegedly subjected to torture, solitary confinement, coerced confessions, denial of fair trials, and inadequate legal representation. The sentences follow earlier convictions targeting numerous individuals from the Eastern Province for involvement in protests, expression of dissent, or religious and cultural activities deemed security threats by authorities.

International organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have expressed deep concern over the rising number of executions in Saudi Arabia. They urge the government to halt the implementation of these sentences and to ensure trials meet international human rights standards.

Activists and observers are calling on the international community, particularly the United Nations and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, to intervene and prevent the executions, citing persistent deficiencies in Saudi Arabia’s judicial safeguards and the risk posed to those facing capital punishment without independent oversight.