In Saudi Arabia, the use of the death penalty has increased sharply in recent years, causing strong concern among human rights groups. In 2025, authorities carried out more than 300 executions, including people accused of nonviolent crimes such as drug offences and peaceful protests. Some of those executed were foreign workers, and at least two were convicted for actions they were said to have committed as children. Critics say many trials were unfair and based on forced confessions, with limited access to legal help. The execution of journalist Turki al-Jasser raised fears that the punishment is being used to silence criticism of the government. Other activists and writers have also faced harsh sentences for expressing their views. Human rights organizations argue that these actions break international law, which limits the death penalty to the most serious crimes. They are calling for fair trials, legal reform, and an end to executions for political or peaceful activities.

Pray for a just legal system in Saudi Arabia. Pray for fair, transparent, and unbiased trials in all cases. Pray for justice to prevail in the nation (The Holy Bible, Deuteronomy 27:19).

Pray for the authorities to stop the death penalty in Saudi Arabia. Pray for the right to live and other rights and freedom of civilians to be defended by the government. Pray for more freedom of expression in the country (The Holy Bible, Psalm 12:5).

News Source: Human Rights Watch

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