U.N. Condemns Saudi Executions, Urges Legal Reforms

The U.N. has condemned the execution of two Egyptians in Saudi Arabia on drug charges, deeming it inexcusable. Riyadh is urged to reform its laws and compensate the families. The U.N.'s findings highlighted potential systemic issues with arbitrary detention in Saudi Arabia, urging a moratorium on death penalties.

A United Nations body has sharply criticized Saudi Arabia for executing two Egyptians on drug-related charges, declaring their execution inexcusable and calling for legal reforms. The U.N. is urging Saudi authorities to compensate the families involved and cease the use of the death penalty for such offenses.

The U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that the men were detained without legal basis and denied fair trials, violating their human rights. This case underscores broader concerns over human rights violations in Saudi Arabia, with calls for the reimplementation of a moratorium on drug-related executions.

Despite these findings, Saudi authorities maintain the condemned were treated justly and argue the necessity of the death penalty for serious crimes. Observers note an alarming increase in executions, particularly of foreigners, following the 2022 lift of the moratorium on such penalties.

(With inputs from agencies.)