Saudi Arabia Must Cease Use of Death Penalty

An anti-death penalty banner (x)

United Nations sources estimate that 45 people have been executed in Saudi Arabia thus far this year. Independent experts of the UN have called upon Saudi governance to end the senseless beheadings. The execution typically follows a confession gained through torture of a defendant that was not allotted a lawyer. These instances specifically violate the 5th and 7th articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which state "No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment" and "Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law," respectively. These executions are a result of violent crimes but also include punishment for acts such as drug-smuggling, sorcery, adultery and apostasy.

Sources
UN urges Saudi Arabia to halt executions
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights