Rising Tide: Saudi Arabia Records 170 Executions in 2023
In the course of the past year, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a significant surge in state-sanctioned executions, as the tally reached 170 in 2023, marking a notable increase from the 147 recorded in the preceding year of 2022. According to a comprehensive count by Agence France-Presse, based on official announcements from Saudi authorities, this surge represents the highest number of executions since the record-breaking year of 2019, which saw 187 individuals put to death.
The final executions of 2023 unfolded on the eve of New Year's, December 31st, as four Saudi nationals convicted of murder faced capital punishment in the northern Tabouk region and southern Jazan region. Statements from the Saudi Interior Ministry, disseminated through the state-run Saudi Press Agency, provided details on these latest cases.
Within the broader context of the year's executions, 33 individuals were put to death due to their involvement in terrorism cases, while two military personnel faced the ultimate penalty for treason. Notably, 2023 witnessed instances of mass executions, most notably in March, when an astounding 81 convicts met their fate on a single day.
The utilization of the death penalty in Saudi Arabia has consistently drawn condemnation from various rights groups, particularly for its perceived use as a political tool against dissidents. The kingdom's human rights practices are under renewed international scrutiny, with the de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, further consolidating his authoritarian hold on power. As the number of executions continues to rise, concerns persist over the trajectory of Saudi Arabia's commitment to human rights principles.