Saudi to execute at least 50 people: Amnesty
Saudi Arabia reportedly plans to execute more than 50 people convicted of terrorism in what appears to be a warning to would-be jihadists.
Published November 27th, 2015
Saudi Arabia reportedly plans to execute more than 50 people convicted of terrorism in what appears to be a warning to would-be jihadists.
Saudi newspaper Okaz claims fifty-five people are awaiting execution for "terrorist crimes" that killed more than 100 civilians and 71 security personnel without specifying when the executions would occur.
Some of those facing execution were affiliated with al-Qaeda, the newspaper said.
The alleged militants stand accused of attempts to overthrow the government and carry out attacks using small weapons, explosives and surface-to-air missiles.
One prisoner is accused of trying to buy nuclear material in Yemen worth $1.5 million for use inside Saudi Arabia.
Others are from Awamiya, a largely Shia town in the oil-producing Eastern Province where the government has suppressed demonstrations for equal rights.
The charges against the six Awamiya residents include sedition, attacks on security officials and interference in neighbouring Bahrain, which has also experienced unrest since 2011.
Three juvenille offenders - Ali al-Nimr - whose case sparked a global outcry earlier this year - Abdullah al-Zaher and Hussein al-Marhoon - are also said to be among those waiting to be executed.
Ali al-Nimr was only 17 when he was arrested for taking part in pro-democracy protests and was 18-years-old when he was found guilty and sentenced to death.
Saudi authorities said he had broken his loyalty to the country's king, Salman.
But Ali's supporters say he was forced to sign a confession after days of torture in custody.
The case has drawn international condemnation, and was mentioned by Jeremy Corbyn at his first party conference speech where he urged David Cameron to get involved.
Amnesty International has expressed alarm over the reports which claim the slaughter will be carried out in a single day.
James Lynch, Amnesty's Middle East and North Africa deputy director told the BBC: "It is clear that the Saudi Arabian authorities are using the guise of counter-terrorism to settle political scores."
The human rights group believes at least 151 people have been put to death in Saudi Arabia so far this year - the highest recorded figure since 1995 - and said it takes the latest reports seriously.
The last time Saudi Arabia carried out mass executions for security offences was after a group of Islamist militants seized Mecca's Grand Mosque in 1979.
Local residents have responded to the news by closing off roads leading into the city with burning debris in protest.
By Katie Paul, Angus McDowell-Copyright © 2015 Trinity Mirror Group
Saudi Arabia to execute more than 50 terrorists, say reportsext
Saudi Arabia plans mass execution of 55 criminals… as fears grow that it is preparing to behead and crucify pro-democracy protester arrested when he was 17
- 55 men are expected to be executed after being convicted of terrorism
- One prisoner was accused of trying to buy nuclear material in Yemen
- Activists fear Ali Mohammed al-Nimr, 21, could be executed soon
- al-Nimr was charged with attending a demonstration along with his uncle
- Executions appear to be warning to would-be jihadis, with one newspaper saying some facing death penalty are affiliated with al-Qaida
Saudi Arabia plans to execute 55 people convicted of terrorism in what appears to be a warning to would-be jihadists at a time of militant attacks on the kingdom.
The prisoners were found guilty of involvement in al-Qaeda linked terror attacks which killed more than 100 civilians and 71 security personnel, the Saudi newspaper Okaz reported.
The forthcoming executions come as human rights groups expressed growing fears that 21-year-old Ali Mohammed al-Nimr and his uncle could also be executed in the coming days.
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Ali Mohammed al-Nimr, 21, (pictured) was first arrested when he was just 17-years-old. He was charged with attending a demonstration in Saudi Arabia
al-Nimr was charged with attending a protest, teaching first aid to demonstrators and using his Blackberry phone to urge more people to join in.
His sentence prompted strong international criticism, with the French government and a group of UN experts among those calling for a halt to the executions.
Some of the 55 men convicted of terrorism are from Awamiya, a largely Shi'ite town in the oil-producing Eastern Province, where the government has suppressed demonstrations for equal rights.
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