Saudi Arabia rejected the criticism levelled against it before the Human Rights Council in Geneva during the fifty-first session.
In a speech delivered by a member of the official delegation to Geneva, Asia Abdul Latif Baakadah, on September 14, 2022, Saudi Arabia considered that the criticism levelled at it contradicted the supposed objectivity and impartiality of the Council. Several countries have criticized Saudi Arabia's human rights violations concerning the death penalty and the repression practised against civil society and human rights defenders.
The speech of Saudi Arabia called on countries to respect their sovereignty, deal with issues that affect their security by their national laws and international obligations, and achieve their national security and stability.
It is considered that the death penalty for crimes, according to criminal legislation in Saudi Arabia, is consistent and compatible with the provisions of international law. In addition, it does not contradict its principles, as this punishment is only imposed on the most serious crimes and within the narrowest limits under a final ruling issued by a competent court.
The European Saudi Organization for Human Rights believes that Saudi Arabia's attack on critics of its violations before the Human Rights Council reflects its handling of any criticism directed against it. It also shows how it deals with international bodies and refutes the image it is trying to promote.
ESOHR stresses that Saudi Arabia's words before the council contain misleading information that it constantly repeats, especially concerning the death penalty. ESOHR notes that Saudi Arabia executed 120 people this year, more than half of them (68 cases) whose sentences were Taazir punishment. Its official data did not mention the nature of the sentences against 40 other cases.
In addition, at least 34 people are now facing the death penalty, most of whom have not been charged with the most serious crimes under international law, and many of them face crimes not recognized internationally, such as expressing an opinion and demonstrating.