Saudi Arabia - December 2023

Saudi Arabia executed four individuals on 31 December, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. This event marked the culmination of the deadliest month for executions in the country, with a total of 38 carried out in December 2023. Overall, the kingdom executed 170 people in 2023, a rise from the 147 convicts executed the previous year. The 2023 executions included 33 individuals accused of terrorism-related offenses and two soldiers found guilty of treason. However, rights group Reprieve estimates the actual number of executions could exceed 172, as it believes some may not have been publicly disclosed. Despite facing criticism from human rights activists for its frequent use of capital punishment, Saudi Arabia asserts that these executions are in line with sharia law and are necessary to uphold public order.

Sources: Saudi Press Agency, Reprieve, Middle East Eye, The New Arab