Saudi Arabia Executes Shia Youth Amid Widespread Human Rights Concerns

Saudi Arabia Executes Shia Youth Amid Widespread Human Rights Concerns
——————————
Saudi Arabia on Tuesday executed Sayyed Ali Al-Alawi, a 27-year-old Shia detainee from the Qatif region, despite international protests and human rights criticisms, Abna News agency reported. Al-Alawi, from Al-Shohada city, was sentenced to death on charges of terrorism and threatening national security. Human rights organizations have condemned the charges as politically motivated and criticized the lack of a fair trial.

Arrested in September 2020, Al-Alawi reportedly endured torture and was denied legal rights, including access to a lawyer, a public trial, and an appeal. The Saudi Interior Ministry labeled him involved in terrorist activities, a charge often used against political dissidents and religious minorities. Opposition groups argue that death sentences are politically driven and typically decreed by the monarchy rather than independent courts.

Following the execution, Saudi authorities withheld Al-Alawi’s body from his family—a practice increasingly common in the kingdom, with over 200 bodies reportedly withheld. Families are often uninformed prior to executions and learn of them through media.

Opposition statements condemned the execution as part of a broader crackdown on dissent, linking it to Saudi Arabia’s regional political moves and accusing the regime of using international platforms to evade accountability.

Just recently, the Kingdom had approved death penalty for three other Shia youth from Qatif, who had also been subjected to torture and arbitrary trials.