A special rapporteur from the United Nations has expressed concern about the imminent execution of Abdullah Al-Dzrazi by Saudi Arabia. Abdullah was a minor when he was accused of committing his crime. In a statement released on October 16, 2023, the special rapporteur urged Saudi Arabia to ensure that he was not put to death.
The Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions, Morris Tidball-Binz, has stated that despite Saudi Arabia issuing a royal decree in 2020 aimed at abolishing the death penalty for child offenders, including those convicted of terrorist crimes, its implementation is insufficient.
In August 2014, due to crimes he committed when he was 17 years old, he was subjected to enforced disappearance and physical and psychological torture during his detention. He was also forced to sign confessions.
The Special Rapporteur noted that seven charges were brought against Al-Derazi, none of which were dated. The evidence against him was based on a confession obtained under torture. He explained that the Supreme Court upheld the death sentence against Al-Derazi, putting him at imminent risk of execution. It is rare for Saudi Arabia to inform family members or lawyers before carrying out executions.
The statement considered that despite the steps taken by Saudi Arabia, including the issuance of the Juvenile Law in 2018, information confirms that it still continues to issue sentences against individuals who are under the age of 18. Furthermore, the Juvenile Law still allows for the execution of children under Sharia-based penalties, including Qisas and Hiraba.
He pointed out that United Nations experts had previously condemned the broad definition of terrorism under Saudi law, where civil disobedience and expression of opinion are described as acts of terrorism.
The Special Rapporteur called on Saudi Arabia to publish the text of the royal decree issued in 2020 and to implement it for all accused individuals who are under the age of 18, regardless of the crime.
The European Saudi Organization for Human Rights points out that Abdullah Al-Derazi, along with at least 8 other minors, is facing death sentences, with 7 of them receiving retaliatory sentences, and one minor facing a death penalty by retribution. Saudi Arabia insists on these sentences and denies that they are minors, despite judicial rulings confirming that they faced charges when they were still underage. This violates both local laws and international obligations.