Saudi Arabia’s Execution Dilemma: Strangling Case Highlights Human Rights Concerns

Watan-The Saudi authorities executed a citizen who was accused of strangling his wife after disputes between them.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the implementation of the death penalty by beheading in one of the regions in Tabuk. This followed the proven accusation of the man murdering his wife, according to a statement released by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The Yemeni national committed the act by strangling his wife, Hamida bint Hamdan bin Dmiliq Al-Omari, a Saudi citizen, with his own hands, leading to her death due to a dispute between them.

Security forces were able to apprehend the mentioned perpetrator, and the investigation confirmed the charges against him. He was then referred to the competent court, where a verdict was issued, confirming his guilt and sentencing him to death by beheading.

The verdict was upheld by the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. A royal order was issued to execute the legally determined penalty, and it was approved by the relevant authorities.

According to activists, the motive behind the perpetrator’s decision to end his wife’s life is unknown. Despite this, he confessed to his actions, leading to the execution of the death penalty by beheading.

Statement on the Execution of a Saudi Citizen for Strangling His Wife

The Saudi Ministry of Interior, as indicated in its statement reported by Saudi media, stated: “Abdullah bin Khurais bin Khudair Al-Yazidi, a Saudi national, committed the murder of his wife, Hamida bint Hamdan bin Dmiliq Al-Omari, also a Saudi national, by strangling her with his own hands, leading to her death, due to a dispute between them,” according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The ministry added: “Security forces were able to apprehend the mentioned perpetrator, and the investigation confirmed the charges against him. He was then referred to the competent court, where a verdict was issued, confirming his guilt and sentencing him to death by beheading. The verdict was upheld by the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. A royal order was issued to execute the legally determined penalty, and it was approved by the relevant authorities,” as reported by SPA.

Saudi Arabia’s Repeated Contradictions and Amnesty International’s Concerns

Amnesty International asserts that the execution of death sentences by Saudi Arabia is a clear contradiction to its repeated promises to reduce the use of the death penalty.

Previously, Riyadh executed 100 individuals in the year 2023, revealing its alarming disregard for the right to life, according to the human rights organization.

The relentless wave of killings carried out by authorities raises serious concerns for the lives of young individuals sentenced to death, who were below the age of eighteen at the time of committing the crime, according to Amnesty International.