Saudi Juvenile Execution – 5 Shocking Violations Exposed
Overview of Saudi Juvenile Execution Cases
The Saudi juvenile execution of Jalal Labbad on 21 August 2025 has drawn global condemnation. Labbad was convicted for crimes allegedly committed under the age of 18. Human rights organizations consider this execution a blatant violation of international law and customary norms prohibiting capital punishment for minors.
Human Rights Concerns
Advocates have reported that Labbad endured arbitrary detention, lack of legal representation, and claims of torture including beatings and electric shocks to extract confessions. Such treatment renders the execution arbitrary under international human rights standards.
Impact on Families
The withholding of bodies in cases of Saudi juvenile execution , including Jalal Labbad’s, further exacerbates the trauma experienced by families. They are denied the opportunity for dignified burial rituals and the ability to mourn in accordance with their cultural and religious traditions.
Legal Violations and Arbitrary Detention
The Saudi juvenile execution cases underscore systemic flaws in the judicial system. Several young men, including Abdullah al-Derazi and others from the Shi’a minority, faced secret trials and were sentenced without fair procedural safeguards.
International Legal Standards
Under international law, executing individuals for crimes committed under the age of 18 is strictly prohibited by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Saudi Arabia’s repeated executions violate these treaties and jus cogens norms.
Secret Trials and Arbitrary Sentences
Reports indicate that multiple juvenile defendants were convicted in secret trials. Evidence was limited, legal representation was denied, and appeals were either blocked or conducted in non-transparent procedures.
Background of Jalal Labbad
Born on 3 April 1995, Jalal Labbad was arrested for protesting against discrimination against the Shi’a minority in Al-Qatif in 2011–2012. His convictions were for offenses allegedly committed when he was 16–17 years old. Despite appeals, his death sentence was upheld, reflecting a broader pattern of targeting young activists.
Family History of Executions
Labbad’s brother, Fadel, was executed in 2019, and another brother, Mohammad, was sentenced to death in 2022 and again in 2025 after retrials. This demonstrates systematic persecution of activist families within the region.
Pattern of Executions in Saudi Arabia
The execution of minors, particularly from the Shi’a community, reflects a broader strategy to suppress dissent in the Eastern Province. Several other juveniles, including Yusuf al-Manasif, Jawad Qureiris, and Hassan al-Faraj, have faced repeated death sentences, highlighting systemic injustice.
International Reactions
Human rights organizations and UN bodies have repeatedly condemned these executions, calling them arbitrary and a violation of fundamental human rights. Amnesty International continues to campaign for the abolition of the death penalty for juveniles.
Calls for Judicial Reform
Advocates urge Saudi authorities to reform the legal system to prevent arbitrary sentencing of minors, guarantee fair trials, and comply with international human rights standards. Immediate moratoriums on executions for juveniles are essential.
Human Rights and International Law
The Saudi juvenile execution cases violate multiple international agreements, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and customary international law. Such violations have been classified as jus cogens norms, meaning they are non-derogable and universally binding.
UN Observations
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has deemed the detention of Labbad, al-Derazi, and others arbitrary. Experts stress that executing juveniles contravenes both regional and international human rights obligations.
Global Accountability
International organizations continue to monitor Saudi Arabia’s death penalty practices. External pressure, transparency, and adherence to legal safeguards are crucial to protect vulnerable juveniles and uphold justice. For more information, see Amnesty International Reports.
Impact on Society and Communities
Executing juveniles damages social cohesion, instills fear, and undermines trust in the judicial system. Families and communities bear psychological and emotional burdens, while broader society observes systemic injustices that affect civil liberties.
Education and Advocacy
Human rights groups advocate education campaigns to raise awareness about the illegality of executing minors. Public advocacy pressures governments to comply with international law and reduce human rights violations.
Conclusion: Protecting Juveniles and Upholding Human Rights
The Saudi juvenile execution of Jalal Labbad and others highlights ongoing violations against minors in the legal system. Immediate reform, moratoriums on juvenile executions, and adherence to international law are essential to protect vulnerable individuals and restore credibility to the judicial process. International oversight, advocacy, and education remain vital in preventing future injustices.
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