Saudi Arabia
Overview
The authorities severely curtailed the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly, detaining and imprisoning critics, human rights defenders and minority rights activists on vaguely worded charges. Torture and other ill-treatment of detainees remained common, particularly during interrogation, and courts continued to accept torture-tainted “confessions” to convict defendants in unfair trials. Women faced discrimination in both law and practice and were inadequately protected against sexual and other violence. The authorities continued to arrest, detain and deport irregular migrants. Courts imposed many death sentences, including for non-violent crimes and against juvenile offenders; scores of executions were carried out. Coalition forces led by Saudi Arabia committed serious violations of international law, including war crimes, in Yemen.
Death penalty status
Retentionist
Retains the death penalty in law
News
Media enquiries
Tarek Wheibi
Middle East and North Africa Press Officer, +961 1 748751 tarek.wheibi@amnesty.org
Our Offices
Amnesty International Secretariat Office
View All Contact InfoResearch
Reports, briefings, urgent actions and UN submissions
Commentary
Analysis, opinion, personal stories and more.
Saudi Arabia
We will continue to campaign until all prisoners of conscience in Saudi Arabia are released
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia and The Emperor’s New Clothes
Saudi Arabia
Five ways for Saudi Arabia to deliver true human rights reform
Middle East and North Africa
Why do war crimes against children bear no repercussions?