By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Despite Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s 2022 claim to have abolished the death penalty except for murder, Saudi Arabia executed a record-high 330 people in 2023, a significant increase from previous years. This surge, comprised of over 150 individuals convicted of non-lethal crimes like drug smuggling and vaguely defined terrorism charges, contradicts international law. The executions included numerous foreign nationals, highlighting concerns about due process and fair trials within the Saudi legal system. This drastic increase in executions clashes sharply with the kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan to modernize its image and attract international tourism.
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Saudi Arabia’s sharp increase in executions during 2024 is undeniably alarming. The sheer number of reported executions is staggering, prompting global outrage and raising serious questions about human rights within the kingdom. This surge in capital punishment is particularly concerning given the lack of transparency surrounding many of these cases, leaving many to question the fairness and legality of the processes involved.
The contrast between the scale of these actions and the relative silence of some international entities is striking. While some nations express concern, others seem to prioritize economic ties over ethical considerations. This disparity in response highlights a complex web of geopolitical interests, raising concerns about the effectiveness of international pressure on human rights violators. It also raises uncomfortable questions about which nations are willing to overlook egregious human rights abuses in the pursuit of economic gain.
The casualness with which some appear to dismiss the gravity of the situation is disturbing. Framing the issue as a simple matter of differing cultural norms is dismissive of the fundamental human rights at stake. The use of euphemisms to downplay the brutality of the death penalty, such as “capital punishment,” might inadvertently lessen the impact of this practice in some public conversations, hindering meaningful discussions and calls for reform. More forthright and direct language is needed to accurately reflect the severity of the situation.
The ongoing construction of large-scale projects, like the ambitious Neom city, further complicates matters. The immense investment and international collaboration surrounding these initiatives contrast sharply with the kingdom’s human rights record, raising questions about the compatibility of economic development and ethical considerations. It highlights the difficulty of balancing the pursuit of economic progress with the fundamental necessity of upholding human rights. Is economic growth justification for such a blatant disregard of human life?
Many are connecting the increased rate of executions to broader geopolitical events. The suggestion that these actions are occurring amidst significant global distractions, such as international conflicts, is troubling. This implies that human rights might be sacrificed when convenient, highlighting the fragility of human rights protections in turbulent times. Such opportunistic disregard for human life is fundamentally alarming.
Comparisons are often made to other countries with high rates of state-sanctioned killings or extrajudicial deaths. However, the scale of the increase in Saudi Arabia stands out. While other nations may also struggle with issues related to justice and due process, the intensity of the situation in Saudi Arabia remains particularly noteworthy, justifying stronger condemnations and greater international scrutiny. The difference in magnitude should not lead to a lessening of concern.
The juxtaposition of these executions with the kingdom’s attempts to present itself as a modern and forward-thinking nation is jarring. The pursuit of a modern image, while simultaneously engaging in such brutal practices, is an act of profound hypocrisy. This highlights the potential for sophisticated image-building campaigns to mask deeply problematic realities. It serves as a cautionary tale about the deceptive nature of carefully crafted national narratives.
Ultimately, the substantial increase in Saudi executions in 2024 demands a robust and unified international response. Ignoring these actions under the guise of diplomatic pragmatism only perpetuates a system that values economic gain over human dignity. Silence in the face of such gross human rights violations is complicity. A forceful and sustained effort is needed to pressure the Saudi Arabian government to comply with international human rights standards and end this alarming trend. This is not simply a matter of differing cultures; it is a matter of fundamental human rights.