Saudi Arabia on Wednesday March 13, beheaded seven men after being charged with looting, theft and armed robbery. The men were arrested in 2006 jewelry-stealing ring. One man, Nasser al-Qahtani, told the Associated Press attested to inhumane treatment following his arrest.
He claimed that he was tortured for a confession, not appointed a lawyer, and only appeared before a judge three times during the lengthy trial. He also claimed that his torture marks were ignored in court.
According to reports, he was 15 years old at the time of his arrest. Qahtani and the other six men were originally sentenced to death by firing squad and crucifixion in 2009.
Human rights activist group Human Rights Watch appealed to the country’s King Abdullah on March 4 to not execute the men, stating that there was “strong evidence” of an unfair trial.
The kingdom however, follows strict Islamic laws which state that people convicted of murder, defiled or armed robbery can be executed. Saudi Arabia has already executed 23 people this year.
These seven men were killed by three men with swords in the southern city Abha; the region is notoriously targeted with discrimination.
Saudi media reports that the government is considering doing away with public beheadings and seeking firing squads as an alternative. Lethal injections have also been reported as an option.
Eric Goldstein, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, demands a ceasing of child executions altogether.
“It is high time for the Saudis to stop executing child offenders and start observing their obligations under international human rights law,” he said.
GUYS WHAT DO YOU THINK?
- Hammed HadjiiObamaa Azeez Ollahwahlle · Friends withMachief Ayuba MalloWetin be ur own?that is how they rule their country.so pls stay away from other peoples affair.
- Hamzalet Musa Shafa · Friends with Joycy Jaydey claim to b human right activist.were dey nt d pple hu still kill inocent souls.saudi arabia wil nt entartain such act.hw i wish it will hapen in nigeria too.
- Justice Ofolete if doz strict laws are dia to mak dia country flourish,i dnt object to it.I wish our laws can be as strict as dias so d issue of corruption,kidnapping,theft,rape and robbery wil be a tin of d pass cos evrybody wil be scared to commit a crime lik we do freely in 9ja
- Ify Muodu @ Hmmed information is very important,when u are not informed u will automatically be deformed.So thank the person that is giving u all these informations instead of insulting him.Jst an advice.No hard feelings.Thanks.
- Samuel Josephine Justice y did u say dat?....if dat stupid law be made its gona affect all of us...its d masses that it will have effect on...laws r not jst created like dat...it needs thinkin
- Endy Edeson @muodu, thanks for the insightful comment. informations like this is a strict warning to evil doers and aim to correct societal ills. @HAMMED, i hope u have understand the motive of this post. thanks
