Saudi Children face executions, torture, and long-term imprisonment

The European Saudi Organization for Human Rights (ESOHR) has exposed the Saudi authorities for their infringement of the rights of Saudi children. This includes carrying out executions, subjecting them to torture, and imprisoning them for decades.

On the occasion of International Children's Day, the European Saudi Organization for Human Rights (ESOHR) released a statement highlighting the Saudi authorities' violation of children's rights in the country. This includes carrying out executions, subjecting them to torture, and imprisoning them for extended periods of time.

Despite Saudi Arabia signing a comprehensive 37-article agreement in 1996, the country continues to violate its obligations. The agreement explicitly states that no child should be subjected to torture, mistreatment, or any form of cruel, inhumane, or degrading punishment.

Furthermore, it prohibits the imposition of the death penalty or life imprisonment on children under the age of 18 for crimes committed, without the possibility of release from prison.

The Saudi Arabian authorities have consistently made official statements asserting that their laws safeguard children from the death penalty and prolonged imprisonment. They have also declared a maximum sentence of ten years for children.

However, the European Saudi Organization for Human Rights highlights that these statements are merely a part of the authorities' deceptive claims regarding reforms in the country. According to the organization, any laws passed in this regard are deemed as fraudulent, so that the violation of children's rights in this Kingdom continues openly.

Saudi Children Executed and Detained

12 Minors Denied Justice and Families Denied Closure

Since 2016, Saudi Arabia has carried out the death sentences of 12 children following unfair trials, and their bodies have been held in detention, with the authorities refusing to release them to their grieving families.

Saudi Children's Rights Betrayed: Unjust Death Sentence for Mustafa Al-Darwish Contradicts Promised Reforms

Saudi Arabia made significant headlines in 2018 by promoting its extensive overhaul of children's rights and introducing the Children's Law. According to this law, if a child commits a crime, their punishment should be limited to house arrest, with a maximum duration of ten years. However, in July 2021, despite the implementation of these new laws, Saudi Arabia sentenced Mustafa Al-Darwish to death in an unjust court, accusing him of using violence when he was still a child.

Based on the organization's monitoring, a minimum of 9 individuals, who were under the age of 18, are currently facing death penalty charges. However, it is important to note that the actual number of minors facing such threats could be significantly higher, as civil society has limited involvement and families often face intimidation.

According to the organization's monitoring, several individuals, including Abdullah Al-Hweiti, Abdullah Al-Derazi, Jalal Al-Labad, Youssef Al-Manasef, Ali Al-Mabiyouq, and Hassan Zaki Al-Faraj, have received verdicts that have been approved by the appeals court. These judgments have now reached the Supreme Court, which represents the final stage of the judicial process before execution. Additionally, preliminary rulings have been issued against Ali Hassan Al-Subaiti, Jawad Qureiris, and Mahdi Al-Mohsen.

Saudi Arabia, in its defense of the issued sentences, asserts that the crimes committed by these individuals did not occur during their childhood. However, upon examining the files of each person, including the dates of the crime, arrest, and trial proceedings, it becomes evident that all of them were under the age of 18 at the time. This information strongly contradicts Saudi Arabia's claims.

Saudi Children: Denied Rights and Unjust Sentences

According to the provisions outlined, if a child under the age of 15 commits a crime, the following measures should be considered: reprimand and warning, returning the child to their parents or guardian, restricting their access to certain places for up to three years, and prohibiting them from engaging in specific work. Additionally, the child may be placed under supervision within their living environment for a maximum of two years, required to perform certain tasks for up to three years, or entrusted to a social or therapeutic institution for a maximum of one year.

Despite the clear language of the law, Saudi Arabia continues to impose lengthy prison sentences on minors. In August 2023, the Saudi court sentenced Manal al-Qafiri, who was arrested at the age of 17, to 36 years in prison and imposed a travel ban solely based on a tweet as the accusation.

This represents the initial documented and prosecuted case involving a minor girl, but it is anticipated that there may be additional unreported cases. In March 2023, the Saudi Court of Appeal affirmed the verdict against Sajjad Al Yassin, a child who was sentenced to 35 years in prison and subjected to a travel ban for the same duration. The charges against the child include participating in demonstrations and chanting slogans against the government.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia continues to detain Mojbati al-Safwani, who was arrested at the age of 16 and subsequently sentenced to 13 years in prison.

Violation of Saudi Children's Rights: Torture and Interrogation

According to Article 8 of the Children's Law, the interrogation of a teenager should take place within a safe and calm environment, preferably inside their own home. If interrogation outside the home becomes necessary, the mental and emotional well-being of the child should be prioritized.

However, investigations conducted by the European Saudi Organization for Human Rights reveal numerous instances of violations, particularly during interrogations. These cases have been marked by the presence of torture, contradicting the provisions outlined in the Children's Law. This highlights the alarming disregard for children's rights in Saudi Arabia during the interrogation and investigation processes.

In September 2014, Morteza Quraris, at the age of 13, was arrested, subjected to torture, and held in solitary confinement. Similarly, Muhammad Essam Al Faraj, detained at the age of 15, experienced severe torture that resulted in high blood pressure and further deterioration of his physical health. These cases highlight the alarming mistreatment and abuse suffered by Saudi children during their detention, leading to severe physical and psychological consequences.

Despite the fact that all the children currently facing the threat of execution have consistently asserted in court that their confessions were obtained through torture and mistreatment, the court has failed to investigate these claims and has instead upheld their death sentences.

On International Children's Day, the European Saudi Organization for Human Rights asserts that Saudi Arabia's treatment of children serves as a stark reflection of the country's overall approach to human rights. This highlights the concerning disregard for the rights and well-being of children within the Saudi justice system.

Despite the Saudi authorities' assertions of adherence to international laws and their emphasis on legal reforms, the reality reveals significant discrepancies between the written laws of the country and their actual implementation. This is evident in the violation of Saudi Arabia's obligations and the imposition of harsh and lengthy sentences on children.