Saudi Arabia has carried out the execution of a Filipino national who was convicted of murder, adding to a grim record of executions within the kingdom. Reports from human rights groups indicate that the country has executed up to 199 individuals as of September 2024, marking the highest number of executions in a year to date. Shockingly, 32 people were executed in September alone, with a total of 80 executions in July and August. This year’s executions have surpassed the previous record of 196 in 2022, as reported by the nonprofit organisation Reprieve.
The Filipino national in question was arrested for murder in 2020 and was sentenced to death last year, confirmed a Philippine official. The execution took place last Saturday, as disclosed by the department of foreign affairs on Tuesday, although specific details of the execution were not provided. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr expressed his dismay over the execution, labelling it as “very unfortunate”, and vowed to support the family of the deceased individual. The Philippine government made extensive efforts to intervene, including providing legal aid and sending an official appeal letter to the Saudi king, but unfortunately, these attempts were unsuccessful.
Saudi Arabia’s method of implementing capital punishment, particularly through beheadings and mass executions, has triggered criticism from various human rights organisations. In the past, Saudi authorities have been known to publicly display the bodies and severed heads of executed individuals on poles as a deterrent. Amnesty International highlighted Saudi Arabia’s failure to adhere to international fair trial standards and defendant safeguards, noting that executions have escalated while fundamental rights have been disregarded.
Despite declaring in 2020 that individuals convicted of minor crimes would not face the death penalty, Saudi Arabia went on to carry out executions for drug offences in 2022, following a nearly three-year moratorium. This year, the country has executed 53 individuals for drug-related crimes, further exacerbating concerns among rights groups. Calls have been made for the United Nations to reject Saudi Arabia’s candidacy for a seat on the Human Rights Council due to alleged human rights violations.
The UN member states are scheduled to vote on 9 October to elect 18 new members of the Human Rights Council, who will serve a three-year term starting in January 2025. Human Rights Watch’s UN director, Louis Charbonneau, emphasised that governments engaged in grave violations and fostering impunity should not be rewarded with seats on the top human rights body. The international community continues to monitor the situation in Saudi Arabia closely, urging for accountability and justice for all individuals affected by human rights abuses.