The Secret Supreme Court Decision: Urgent Plea to Halt Execution of Two Young Men in Saudi Arabia

Amnesty International: Saudi Arabia Secretly Upholds Death Sentences for Young Men

Introduction

Amnesty International has received credible information that Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has secretly upheld the death sentences of two young men, Abdullah al-Derazi and Jalal Labbad. These individuals were convicted of terrorism-related charges for their involvement in anti-government protests. The trials were deemed grossly unfair, as they relied heavily on torture-tainted confessions. To exacerbate the injustice, the Saudi authorities reneged on their promise to end the use of the death penalty for individuals who were under 18 at the time of their alleged crimes. Amnesty International’s Middle East Researcher, Dana Ahmed, has called on the King to refrain from ratifying the sentences and for a thorough investigation into the defendants’ claims of torture and ill-treatment.

The Flawed Trials and Torture Claims

Abdullah al-Derazi and Jalal Labbad were convicted of terrorism-related charges, primarily based on confessions obtained through torture. Court documents reviewed by Amnesty International revealed severe beatings, sexual violence, and electrocution, none of which were adequately investigated by the court. These forced confessions were the foundation of their conviction, highlighting a deeply flawed judicial process that violated their basic rights to a fair trial and protection from torture.

Violation of International Human Rights Law

The imminent execution of Abdullah Al-Derazi is of significant concern to the United Nations, which has called on Saudi Arabia to consider a moratorium on the use of the death penalty. Under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Saudi Arabia has ratified, it is strictly prohibited to execute individuals who were under 18 at the time of their crimes. By violating this international agreement, Saudi Arabia demonstrates a disregard for its human rights obligations.

The Saudi Human Rights Commission’s Contradictory Statement

In a letter to Amnesty International, the Saudi Human Rights Commission claimed that the death penalty for juveniles had been abolished. However, this statement contradicts the secret affirmation of the death sentences of Abdullah al-Derazi and Jalal Labbad. Such inconsistency further erodes trust in the Saudi legal system and raises questions about the authorities’ commitment to human rights.

Rising Number of Executions

Saudi Arabia has gained notoriety as one of the world’s top executioners, with a staggering number of executions in recent years. Between January and October 2023 alone, the Saudi authorities executed 112 individuals. In 2022, the kingdom had the highest recorded number of executions in the last 30 years, with 196 people put to death. This trend reflects a disturbing disregard for the value of human life and raises concerns about the arbitrary and excessive use of the death penalty in the country.

Amnesty International’s Position on the Death Penalty

Amnesty International maintains a steadfast opposition to the death penalty in all cases, regardless of the nature or circumstances of the crime, the guilt or innocence of the individual, or the method used for execution. The organization calls for the immediate cessation of these sentences and urges Saudi Arabia to abolish the death penalty entirely.

Editorial: A Travesty of Justice in Saudi Arabia

A Regressive Step

The secret affirmation of the death sentences of Abdullah al-Derazi and Jalal Labbad, who were children at the time of their alleged crimes, represents an alarming regression in Saudi Arabia’s commitment to human rights. This move undermines international standards, contradicts the kingdom’s own claims of progress, and perpetuates a cycle of violence and injustice.

A Failure of the Judicial System

The grossly unfair trials, tainted by torture and forced confessions, highlight deep flaws within the Saudi legal system. A judiciary that fails to uphold the principles of fairness, due process, and protection from torture erodes public trust and creates an environment where justice is elusive. The Supreme Court’s secretive affirmation of the death sentences further undercuts the transparency and accountability necessary for a just legal system.

International Pressure for Change

The United Nations’ expression of concern and Amnesty International’s urgent plea for intervention are important steps towards holding Saudi Arabia accountable for its human rights violations. The international community, including diplomatic allies and relevant organizations, must exert pressure on the Saudi government to reverse these death sentences and carry out a comprehensive review of all death penalty cases. Only through concerted efforts can progress be made towards upholding human rights and achieving justice for all.

An Opportunity for Reform

Saudi Arabia has recently taken steps towards liberalization, such as granting women the right to drive and relaxing restrictions on entertainment. However, these positive changes are overshadowed by the country’s continued use of the death penalty, particularly against juvenile offenders. By addressing these systemic flaws and aligning its practices with international human rights standards, Saudi Arabia can demonstrate a genuine commitment to justice, fairness, and the protection of human rights.

In Conclusion

The secret affirmation of death sentences for Abdullah al-Derazi and Jalal Labbad, two young men who were under 18 at the time of their alleged crimes, is a grave violation of their rights and a travesty of justice. The trials were marred by torture-tainted confessions, raising serious doubts about the fairness of the judicial process. Saudi Arabia’s flagrant disregard for international human rights standards and its rising number of executions underscore the need for urgent action from the international community.

To prevent the imminent execution of these individuals, it is vital that diplomatic allies and relevant organizations exert pressure on the Saudi government to reverse the death sentences and conduct a thorough investigation into the claims of torture and ill-treatment. Additionally, Saudi Arabia should take this opportunity to undertake comprehensive legal reforms that align its practices with international human rights norms.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and respect for human rights. Saudi Arabia must not turn a blind eye to these principles, as doing so would undermine its credibility on the global stage and perpetuate a cycle of injustice and violence.

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