Rights Group Reports 44 Executions of Women in Saudi Arabia Over Decade, Raises Fair Trial Concerns

Rights Group Reports 44 Executions of Women in Saudi Arabia Over Decade, Raises Fair Trial Concerns
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A new report by the European Saudi Organization for Human Rights documents at least 44 executions of women in Saudi Arabia between 2015 and 2025, raising concerns about transparency and fair trial guarantees in capital cases.

More details in the following report:

In its analytical study titled “Execution of Women in Saudi Arabia: From Fragile Protection to Systematic Practice,” the organization reviewed the implementation of the death penalty against women over the past decade. The report states that the 44 recorded cases represent a minimum figure, citing the absence of detailed official data on death row inmates and judicial procedures. According to the findings, 2024 recorded the highest annual total, with nine executions.

The majority of the cases involved murder charges, while others were linked to drug-related offenses and additional criminal accusations. The report argues that the application of capital punishment to crimes that may not meet the threshold of “most serious crimes” under international standards raises legal and human rights questions.

Particular attention was given to migrant domestic workers, who accounted for roughly two-thirds of documented cases. The report links this to labor market conditions and the sponsorship (kafala) system, noting potential legal and social vulnerabilities faced by foreign workers. It also highlighted instances in which executions were reportedly not announced through standard official channels, prompting questions about transparency.

The study examined sentencing categories under Islamic law, including qisas, hudud, and ta’zir. It noted that ta’zir sentences grant judges broad discretionary authority, which may result in disparities in punishment. The report also addressed the practice of “blood money” (diya) in murder cases, suggesting that high financial demands can limit access to this option for lower-income defendants.

Several individual cases were cited to illustrate concerns about access to interpreters and legal counsel, timely consular notification, detention conditions, and communication with families. The report referenced international obligations, including standards under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, regarding gender considerations in judicial proceedings.

It further discussed the role of foreign diplomatic missions in supporting nationals facing capital punishment, noting varying levels of engagement and calling for stronger early consular notification mechanisms in line with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

The organization concluded that addressing these issues would require strengthening fair trial safeguards, increasing transparency in official reporting, and reviewing the scope of capital punishment, particularly in drug-related cases or those involving complex social circumstances. It framed the debate as part of a broader discussion about aligning judicial practice with announced reform efforts.