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In 2023, the repercussions of the immunity granted to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman became evident, as manifested in 2022, marking the emergence of new oppressive practices and unprecedented violations of human rights as the defining characteristics of the year in Saudi Arabia.
In addition to secretive executions, arbitrary judgments, and complete disregard for international opinions and laws, there has been an escalating trend of enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions. This occurs amidst the crushing of laws touted by the government as radical reforms, including the Events System and the Protection from Violence System, all while the misuse of anti-terrorism laws continues to widen. All of this is accompanied by persistent and escalating efforts to whitewash the country's image and obfuscate the truth through various means, including official entities, entertainment, celebrations, and sports investments.
As the European Saudi Organization for Human Rights completed its tenth year of continuous advocacy in August, the organization endeavors in its annual report for 2023 to shed light on the most prominent human rights violations. The report also aims to highlight efforts made by human rights organizations and activists in filing cases, advocating for victims, and standing against deception, falsification, and whitewashing.
Secret Executions and Death Sentences for Tweeting:
Saudi Arabia commenced the year 2023 with the execution of secret killings, as confirmed by information received by the European Saudi Organization. The victims were Yemeni citizens, and no official data from the Ministry of Interior was recorded. This adds to previously received information from prisons indicating the execution of death sentences without official announcements from the Ministry of Interior and the official news agency.
At the beginning of the third month of 2023, Saudi Arabia announced the execution of the first death sentences of the year, disclosing information about six executions. On March 13, the Jordanian citizen Hussein Abu Al-Khair was executed after years of detention and an unfair trial, a case closely monitored by the organization since his sentencing. The organization covered the news of the execution and corresponded with the entities involved in Abu Al-Khair's case, including United Nations mechanisms. Additionally, the organization assisted the family in filing a request with the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to reclaim his body, which Saudi Arabia had retained, along with 140 other bodies in a policy ongoing since 2016.
In April, Saudi Arabia announced the execution of the first death sentence during the month of Ramadan in a concerning precedent, raising fears for the lives of detainees sentenced to death. The organization published a report on the news and shared it with international media, prompting Saudi Arabia to manipulate the dates of the execution news, leading to a revision of their statement.
After the first half of the year, the number of executions carried out by Saudi Arabia during the first half of 2023 reached 61, all executed within three months. This figure is considered high, particularly in light of previous official assurances regarding the death penalty.
Saudi Arabia executed the Bahraini citizens Jaafar Sultan and Sadiq Thamer despite confirmation from UN-appointed special rapporteurs that their sentences were arbitrary. Additionally, three young men were executed on charges that were not deemed highly serious, bringing the total number of executions in May to 23. In September, Saudi Arabia executed 14 individuals, including two citizens with unclear charges, described as rare military verdicts.
In an unprecedented move, Saudi Arabia issued a death sentence against citizen Mohammed Al-Ghamdi on charges related to his online activities, following a trial that transpired within one month, constituting a blatant violation of international laws.
This occurred amid an observed escalation against detainees threatened with execution, prompting the detained Saud Al-Faraj to declare a hunger strike. In response, the organization corresponded with UN-appointed special rapporteurs on the matter and disseminated the information through the media.
Furthermore, as part of its efforts to support victims, the organization highlighted the case of the young man Mohammed Al-Faraj, sentenced to death after an unfair trial. In its analysis of the case, the organization revealed that among the charges he faces is alleged disrespect towards the ruling family. The organization also disseminated information about the cases of Ali Al-Rabea and Fadel Al-Safwani, both of whom are considered precedents in Saudi Arabia's execution cases. Despite the public prosecutor not requesting the death penalty, the judge sentenced them to death. The organization analyzed the case of six detainees who received death sentences despite trial irregularities and facing non-serious charges.
Additionally, information indicated developments in the cases of minors sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, including the approval of their sentences. This prompted the organization to correspond with the working group on arbitrary detention to seek legal opinions on the arbitrary detention of minors. The organization outlined the legal arguments and violations embedded in their cases.
Escalating Criminalization of Freedoms and Crushing of Laws:
The year 2023 witnessed an escalation against freedom of opinion and expression, exemplified by the death sentence against Mohammed Al-Ghamdi for his use of social media. This occurred within the framework of utilizing local laws, including the Cybercrime Law and the Anti-Terrorism Law, to criminalize practices that are legitimate rights.
On World Press Freedom Day, ESOHR published a report detailing the suppression exercised by Saudi Arabia, prohibiting any form of free press to obscure the facts and conceal violations.
Additionally, the organization observed an expansion of practices suppressing freedom of opinion and expression, including arrests. Among these was the prevention of athletes from expressing solidarity with Palestine, indicating an apparent attempt to limit the role of sports in burnishing the government's image.
Amid the issuance of harsh and unlawful sentences against minors, the organization shed light on Saudi Arabia's crushing of the Juvenile Law it had enacted. It highlighted a clear flaw in its application, evident in the case of the minor Sajjad Al-Yassin, who was sentenced to 70 years.
Emerging Trend in Enforced Disappearances:
Enforced disappearances stand out as one of the prominent violations consistently practiced by the Saudi government. However, in 2023, a new trend emerged in these practices, particularly targeting detainees who were supposed to be released, notably human rights defenders who have been hidden without any information about them for over a year.
Furthermore, the organization closely followed the case of the Egyptian citizen Ahmed Ziyuf, who was forcibly disappeared by Saudi Arabia for several months, along with the case of a Pakistani citizen who is secretly held in Saudi Arabia. The organization also documented the case of a Lebanese citizen. The organization corresponded with the working group on enforced disappearances regarding these cases.
On the occasion of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, the organization published a report on the new trends and their use to instill fear in society.
Cross-Border Violations:
On January 14, information emerged regarding the arrest of Moroccan citizen Hassan Al-Rabea by Morocco, based on a request from Saudi Arabia, while attempting to travel from Morocco. The organization initiated a campaign to seek the suspension of Morocco's decision to deport him and hand him over to Saudi Arabia. The organization assisted Al-Rabea in communicating with a lawyer in Morocco. It also participated in a coalition of organizations aimed at pressuring to prevent deportation and worked on disseminating a statement clarifying the legal violations of the decision. Additionally, the organization organized a protest in front of the Moroccan embassy in Berlin as part of efforts to pressure against the deportation.
The organizations sent messages to the Moroccan Prime Minister and filed a legal complaint with the UN Committee Against Torture, in addition to a letter to UN special rapporteurs, and messages to various entities. Despite these efforts, he was handed over to Morocco amid concerns about violations, including torture and enforced disappearance.
Rising Fanfare of Celebrations and Whitewashing Attempts:
In 2023, the long-standing sports whitewashing efforts, ongoing for years, became more apparent, culminating in FIFA's announcement of Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup. In an extensive interview, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman affirmed that his country continues its sports whitewashing practices.
Alongside sporting events, Saudi Arabia continued organizing festivals and celebrations, including National Day 93, amid attempts to enforce loyalty on the population through harsh judgments, including death penalties, intimidation, and coercion.
Moreover, in December, Saudi Arabia won the bid to host Expo 2030, despite human rights organizations, including the European Saudi Organization, asserting in a letter to the International Bureau of Expositions that Saudi Arabia should be excluded due to its internationally recognized and documented appalling human rights record.
In November, Saudi Arabia held its third dialogue with the European Union in Brussels, amid intensive efforts to launder its image globally and deny the violations that undermined previous commitments it had made. While the government's official human rights body represented the government in this dialogue, the organization published a detailed analysis with partner organizations on the role of this body in Saudi Arabia's whitewashing efforts within the corridors of the United Nations. The organization shared the report with international and specific entities participating in the dialogue and participated in a joint meeting with other organizations discussing the role of the human rights body in whitewashing the issue of the death penalty.
Ongoing Campaign Against Women:
In 2023, women in Saudi Arabia faced arrests and arbitrary sentences amidst the continued prohibition of any activity and the prevention of activists from travelling and moving freely.
In January 2023, Manahel Al-Otaibi presented her case to the criminal court, which ruled that it lacked jurisdiction. The case was then referred to the Specialized Criminal Court, a court specialized in terrorism and state security cases. The Public Prosecution charged her with offences, including violating public morals and religious principles, inciting society to sin, and publicly promoting it. A few months later, Manahel faced torture and ill-treatment in prison.
On May 11, 2023, Kuwaiti citizen Muneera Al-Qahtani was arrested along with several of her children and relatives. Information circulated confirming that the arrest was for extortion purposes, related to a legal case filed against the Saudi Crown Prince in the United States. Meanwhile, information indicated the continued enforced disappearance of a Yemeni citizen in 2023.
In June 2023, the Specialized Court sentenced Fatima Al-Shawarib to 30 years in prison for expressing her opinion on social media. Information also indicated the sentencing of the minor Manal Al-Qaffari to 18 years for tweeting and 27 years for Sara Al-Jar.
UN Special Rapporteur Mary Lawlor, on International Women's Day, published a report highlighting the achievements of human rights defenders, including Saudi activists. The organization also issued a report detailing the violations faced by women, especially online.
Additionally, the organization refuted claims by the official Human Rights Commission in its annual report on women, providing a summary that exposed the distortions and unrealistic claims within it.
Endless Chapters of Torture and Mistreatment:
Despite intimidating families and suppressing civil society to prevent documentation and access to victims, information about ongoing violations and torture in prisons has surfaced. In September, reports confirmed physical and psychological torture endured by sports coach Manahel Al-Otaibi at the hands of another inmate in Al-Malaz prison, including beatings and death threats. When she reported the incident to prison authorities, they placed her in solitary confinement until signs of torture disappeared.
Saud Al-Faraj, who is under threat of execution, was also placed in solitary confinement, prompting him to declare a hunger strike after being beaten and tortured for demanding to file a complaint about what he endured in prison.
In addition, the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court approved sentences against detainees, including minors, despite their confirmation before judges of torture and coerced confessions. Executions were carried out against individuals whom the United Nations confirmed were subjected to torture and mistreatment during their detention and interrogation, including Jordanian citizen Hussein Abu Al-Khair and Bahraini citizens Sadiq Thamer and Jafar Sultan.
These practices persist, considered continuous torture against victims and their families, including the withholding of corpses and delays in issuing judgments.
Dimming and Whitewashing Do Not Limit International Criticism:
Despite attempts to obscure violations and whitewash the image, countries and United Nations mechanisms sharply criticized Saudi Arabia's violations. In February, UN human rights experts expressed serious concerns about the physical and mental health and safety of three human rights defenders detained in Saudi Arabia.
In addition, UN experts affirmed that any execution carried out by Saudi Arabia in violation of international laws, including the Convention Against Torture and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, constitutes arbitrary and unlawful execution. They called for a halt to all death sentences for individuals facing charges that occurred before they turned 18.
In April, UN special rapporteurs sent three letters to the Saudi government, the Chairman of the NEOM Company, and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia expressing grave concerns about violations related to the implementation of the NEOM project.
In May, seven UN experts expressed their concern about the lives of three individuals from the Huwaitat tribe sentenced to death for refusing forced evictions due to the NEOM project, urging Saudi Arabia to halt the punishment.
In June, several special rapporteurs held Aramco, funded by the public sector, accountable for human rights violations in the context of changing landscapes, along with negative activities affecting the enjoyment of the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
In July, special rapporteurs affirmed that legal and judicial controls and balances, both in legislation and implementation regarding the execution penalty, do not align with the required standards according to international law.
In September 2023, a report from the Working Group on Enforced Disappearances emphasized that Saudi Arabia cannot justify its violations under any circumstances.
In October, a UN special rapporteur expressed concern about the imminent execution of Abdullah Al-Durazi, who was a child when he was alleged to have committed the crime. In a statement released on October 16, 2023, the rapporteur urged Saudi Arabia to ensure he is not executed.
Furthermore, in the annual report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the death penalty, it was highlighted that Saudi Arabia continues to be among the prominent countries engaging in widespread human rights violations concerning this punishment.
Despite Saudi Arabia's promotion of comprehensive reforms regarding women's rights, the Working Group on Discrimination against Women addressed a letter to the government, stating that laws remain discriminatory and segregated in recent legal provisions.
ESOHR's Activities:
Correspondence and Communication:
Amidst the unfolding sports washing campaigns, particularly in the first months of 2023, the organization sent a letter to the management of Newcastle United Football Club along with other organizations. In the letter, they clarified the human rights situation and emphasized the importance of addressing it, given Saudi Arabia's use of sports to cover up violations.
Furthermore, as part of advocacy efforts for activists, the organization collaborated with other groups to send a letter to Boeing, urging them to press Saudi Arabia to lift the travel ban on activists, considering Saudi Arabia as one of its major clients.
In the context of exposing the realities of executions, the European Saudi Organization for Human Rights published a comprehensive joint report with the Reprieve organization on executions over the past decade. They sent this report to international entities concerned with the issue of executions, including sharing it with the European Union.
Amid the ongoing threat of execution against Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, the organization participated in an advocacy campaign and signed a letter, along with other organizations, directed to the management of the "X" platform, urging them to ensure the safety of their users.
Additionally, the organization took part in a study on the number of Indian citizens executed by Saudi Arabia in recent years. The study highlighted contradictions between the reality and officially reported figures.
The organization analyzed laws and actions that violate international standards regarding the right to seek pardon and submitted its findings to the United Nations.
As part of its efforts to shed light on Saudi Arabia's handling of the death penalty, the organization detailed in a report how secrecy shrouds this punishment during sentencing and execution. This secrecy is considered an arbitrary weapon used to prevent the defense of those sentenced and suppress their stories from spreading.
Amid ongoing enforced disappearances of detainees, the organization, along with 16 other non-governmental organizations, signed a statement urging the Saudi government to disclose the fate and whereabouts of Dr Mohammed Al-Qahtani, who has been held in isolation from the outside world for six months.
Additionally, the organization participated in sending a letter to the Special Rapporteur on the right to peaceful assembly, urging condemnation of violations committed by several countries, including Saudi Arabia. They also signed a joint public statement on the violations committed by Saudi Arabia against its international commitments as a state party to the Convention Against Torture.
In reaffirming states' partnership in covering up human rights violations and granting immunity to those responsible, the organization, along with other groups, sent a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron. The letter argued that his reception of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman encouraged Saudi Arabia to commit further human rights violations.
International Mechanisms for Human Rights:
In light of indications pointing to an escalation of Saudi Arabia's violations and executions, the organization organized a webinar at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on the death penalty. The organization emphasized the importance of revealing the facts that Saudi Arabia attempts to conceal. The seminar took place on the sidelines of the 52nd session of the Human Rights Council, with ESOHR participating and delivering a speech that focused on the topic of the death penalty in Saudi Arabia. The organization also monitored the proceedings of the session, including the statements of countries and the criticisms directed at them. It also followed the activities of the Human Rights Council and disclosed its roles.
The European Saudi Organization followed the proceedings of the 53rd session of the Human Rights Council, including the statements of the government delegation, highlighting the contradictions therein. Additionally, the organization participated in the session's activities, providing information to the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial killings regarding deaths in prisons. The Legal Director also delivered a speech during the fourth agenda item of the session.
Furthermore, ESOHR monitored the proceedings of the 54th session of the Human Rights Council, paying attention to the High Commissioner's statement that called on Saudi Arabia to provide clarification regarding the killing of foreign workers. The organization also noted the criticisms directed at Saudi Arabia by several countries. In addition, it tracked the official delegation's statements, its disregard for international calls to investigate its violations, and Saudi Arabia's opposition to a draft resolution in the Human Rights Council emphasizing the importance of countries committing to using the death penalty only for the most serious crimes.
Additionally, as the date of Saudi Arabia's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) session at the United Nations approached, the organization submitted a report on the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia to the UPR mechanism. It collaborated with other organizations in submitting substantive reports to the mechanism. These reports highlighted the importance of making recommendations aimed at urging Saudi Arabia to comply with its commitments and international laws regarding human rights.
The issue of transparency and the continued disregard for related recommendations were central to the organization's participation in the preparatory session for the Universal Periodic Review. It pointed out that Saudi Arabia had not implemented the recommendations it had adopted. In addition to interventions during the session, the organization held a series of meetings with diplomatic missions in Geneva to encourage them to provide recommendations that could push Saudi Arabia to fulfill its international commitments.
Conferences and Events:
On the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the organization organized a webinar with the participation of experts who discussed possible ways to support victims.
Additionally, the organization participated in organizing several events around the world commemorating the anniversary of the 2022 massacre carried out by Saudi Arabia. It also organized a solidarity stand in front of the Human Rights Council in Geneva for those threatened with execution.
Amidst the monitoring of increasing arrests and violations related to the expression of opinions, the organization took part in a global conference on digital rights RightsCon , delivering a presentation that clarified Saudi Arabia's role in restricting media, activists, and citizens.
In its advocacy for the victims of executions, the organization participated in the fourth regional conference on the death penalty. In addition to participating in the academic committee of the conference, it presented speeches during the discussion sessions that addressed the Saudi justice system and the executions of minors.
Furthermore, the organization hosted its fourth annual conference to support victims of Saudi violations, titled "Human Rights: Beyond Sports." The conference brought together specialists, researchers, and concerned individuals, along with families of victims, to discuss Saudi Arabia's sports washing practices, how to counter them and support the victims.
Conclusion:
It became clear in 2023 that the buzz of the past five years and the discourse about reforms and changes only resulted in further deterioration of human rights.
A comprehensive review of the trajectory of violations in 2023 reveals that the government's vision was built on an escalation against fundamental freedoms, prominently including the right to life, physical safety, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and the right to housing. Despite discussions about new laws and judicial reforms, there was a complete disregard for opinions and international human rights commitments, accompanied by trampling of local laws, persisting in executions, torture, and enforced disappearances.
While government plans were limited to attempts to conceal this reality through suppression and stifling civil society on one hand and whitewashing through various means on the other, the voices of the victims did not waver. Human rights organizations and activists continued to amplify their voices to the world, disseminating facts and figures, advocating for their causes, and confronting the government's attempts to obfuscate the truth.