Saudi Arabia: Imminent Execution, Abbas (m)

PUBLIC AI Index: MDE 23/004/2007

31  January 2007

UA 22/07 Imminent Execution SAUDI ARABIA Abbas (m)

A man known only as Abbas is reportedly due to be executed shortly for his part in a murder. He is reportedly detained in al-Dammam prison, in the country's Eastern Province.

According to a 26 January report in the Saudi Arabian daily newspaper al-Riyadh , Abbas "could be executed in the coming days". He was sentenced to death on murder charges in about 2000. He was apparently pardoned by the victim's relatives in exchange for payment of four million Riyals (approximately $1,000,000) as diya (financial compensation). However, Abbas’s family is said to be unable to pay the diya and Abbas is therefore at risk of execution.

At least five people are known to have been executed so far this year, though the true figure may be much higher. 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Saudi Arabia applies the death penalty for a wide range of offences. Court proceedings fall far short of international standards for fair trial.

Defendants are rarely allowed formal representation by a lawyer, and in many cases are not informed of the progress of legal proceedings against them. They may be convicted solely on the basis of confessions obtained under duress or deception.