UN strongly condemns Saudi Arabia: Execution of two Egyptians is unforgivable A UN working group has deemed the execution of two Egyptians in Saudi Arabia for drug charges as unforgivable, citing arbitrary detention and denial of a fair trial. The group called for compensation for the families and the abolition of the death penalty for such offenses, suggesting a potential systemic issue with arbitrary detentions. Saudi Arabia has rejected these claims, stating that the death penalty is reserved for the most serious crimes and that the accused received a fair trial.

• UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention calls the execution of two Egyptians in Saudi Arabia “unforgivable”.
• The Egyptians were allegedly detained without legal basis and denied a fair trial.
• The UN group urged Saudi Arabia to compensate the families and return the remains.
• The incident suggests a potential systemic problem with arbitrary detentions.
• Human rights organizations report an increase in executions in Saudi Arabia, particularly for drug-related offenses, since a moratorium was lifted in 2022.
• Saudi authorities deny human rights violations, stating the death penalty is for severe crimes and fair trials were provided.