Saudi Arabia executes 12 people in 10 days – for drug offenses SUV drives into Apple store in Massachusetts – at least one dead

According to the UN Human Rights Office, Saudi Arabia has resumed executions for drug-related offenses after a break of almost two years. In recent weeks, 17 men have died including Pakistanis, Syrians, Jordanians and Saudis, the Geneva office reported Tuesday. In the past 10 days alone, 12 people have been executed. Capital punishment in Saudi Arabia is usually carried out by beheading.

The UN Human Rights Office opposes the death penalty, but it should be limited to the most serious crimes, if at all. A death sentence for drug offenses is contrary to international norms and standards. Just two years ago, the Saudi government promised to reduce such punishments.

The Bureau has no information on how many people have been sentenced to death for drug offenses or other crimes. She is aware of the case of a Jordaan who, according to research, has not received a fair trial. It called on the Saudi Arabian authorities to immediately release him, provide him with medical care and pay him compensation.

More than 140 people have already been executed this year for crimes other than drug crimes, the agency said. (saw/sda/dpa)