HomeFeaturesSeven People Executed In A Day By Saudi Authorities

Seven People Executed In A Day By Saudi Authorities

Listen to article

As part of its ongoing crackdown on drug-related crimes, Saudi Arabia executed seven people on Wednesday, with five sentenced for drug trafficking, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. The executions reinforce the kingdom’s firm approach to maintaining law and order in the face of growing global narcotics concerns.

With these latest executions, Saudi Arabia has now carried out a total of 236 executions this year, according to an AFP tally compiled from official statements. The growing number highlights the kingdom’s ongoing use of the death penalty, which has drawn international scrutiny for its high frequency and application to various crimes.

The Saudi interior ministry confirmed that Yahya Lutfullah, Ali Azib, Ahmed Ali, and Salem Nahari were executed in the southern Asir province for “smuggling hashish” into the country. The statement, carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), underscores the kingdom’s stringent enforcement of anti-drug laws.

The report confirmed that all four individuals—Yahya Lutfullah, Ali Azib, Ahmed Ali, and Salem Nahari—were Yemeni citizens, underscoring the cross-border nature of drug smuggling operations that Saudi authorities are cracking down on.

The same source announced on Wednesday the execution of a Pakistani national for drug trafficking, marking the 71st person executed in Saudi Arabia this year for such offenses. This underscores the kingdom’s ongoing campaign against the illegal drug trade.

Read also: Saudi Arabia Condoles Nigeria Over Jigawa Tanker Explosion

Saudi Arabia has become a major market for captagon, an addictive amphetamine drug flooding in from war-torn Syria and Lebanon.

Saudi authorities launched a high-profile anti-drug campaign last year, leading to a spate of raids and arrests.

Executions of drug traffickers have been increasing since a moratorium on the death penalty for drug cases ended two years ago.

The interior ministry also announced the execution of two Saudis for murder on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia executed the third highest number of prisoners in the world after China and Iran in 2023, according to Amnesty International, which began recording the annual figures in 1990.

Riyadh’s use of the death penalty has been criticised numerous times, with rights groups saying it is excessive and out of step with the kingdom’s efforts to present a more modern image on the world stage.

Riyadh has previously said that the death penalty is necessary to “maintain public order” and sentences are only carried out if “the defendants have exhausted all levels of litigation”.

The Eastern Updates 

Most Popular

Recent Comments