In 2025, Saudi Arabia carried out a record number of executions, at least 241 by August 5, many without fair trials, according to Human Rights Watch and the Middle East Democracy Center. This includes the execution of journalist Turki al-Jasser on June 14 for allegedly “terrorist” acts, though no evidence was provided. Al-Jasser had exposed corruption and was tortured in prison. His family was unaware he would be executed and hadn’t received his body. Another peaceful activist, Abdullah al-Shamri, was also executed this year. Many others, like Muhammad al-Ghamdi, have faced harsh sentences for social media posts. Authorities often use torture, deny legal help, and base convictions on forced confessions. Most executions, including for drug crimes and protest-related charges, target dissent and minorities. Critics say Saudi Arabia is using the death penalty to silence peaceful critics and activists, violating international human rights standards.
Pray for Saudi Arabia’s lawmakers to annul the practice of death sentences. Pray for all the people in the country to have access to the right to live and other rights and freedoms (The Holy Bible, Proverbs 29:4).
Pray for the international community’s advocacy to abolish the practice of execution in Saudi Arabia. Pray for the imprisoned individuals on death row to have hope and a future (The Holy Bible, Job 5:16).
News Source: Human Rights Watch
Image Source: Canva
