UN Condemns Saudi Executions: Urges Legal Reforms and Reparations

The U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention criticized Saudi Arabia for executing Egyptians on drug charges, calling it indefensible and urging reparations. The group highlighted fair trial violations and advocated for legal reforms to prevent arbitrary detention and halt death penalties for drug offences.

The U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has issued a strong condemnation of Saudi Arabia's execution of two Egyptians on drug-related charges. The group deemed the executions inexcusable, urging Riyadh to provide reparations and amend its legal system to cease applying the death penalty for these crimes.

Farhat Fathi Abdel Maksoud Abu al-Saud and Mohamed Kamel Salah Kamel were executed last year after being detained without legal basis and denied fair trials, as detailed in a report reviewed by Reuters. The decision violates international human rights standards, according to the group.

The Working Group also called for compensation to the families and the return of the men's remains. Its statement reflects broader concerns about increased executions in Saudi Arabia, particularly among foreigners and in drug-related cases, following the lifting of a previous moratorium in 2022.