Saudi Arabia has executed two Pakistani citizens who were arrested on thecharges of drug smuggling.
This is the first time the oil-rich nation has executed individuals guiltyof drug-related offenses after the country’s Human Rights Commission (HRC)banned the use of the death penalty for crimes pertaining to drugs inJanuary 2021.
Last year in January, the Saudi Arabian HRC announced that the deathpenalty will not be administered on drug-related offenses, and theKingdom’s judiciary will focus more on the prevention of such crimes andrehabilitation of accused individuals in these cases.
Although the country did not execute anyone for drug-related charges, theKingdom’s laws including ‘Drugs and Narcotics Control Law (DNCL)’ remainedunchanged. Under DNCL, drug-related offenses are punishable by death.
These executions are concerning because Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salmanhad announced to release 2,107 Pakistanis imprisoned in Saudi jails. Thepromise has yet to bear fruits as just 250 Pakistani prisoners have beenrepatriated.
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Overall, Saudi Arabia has executed 134 people this year, of which 21 werePakistanis, 15 Yemenis, 5 Syrians, and 4 Egyptians.
On the other hand, Amnesty International has expressed serious reservationsover the development.
In an official statement, Amnesty International’s Acting Deputy Directorfor the Middle East and North Africa, Diana Semaan, said.
