Human Rights Watch Concerned About Potential Executions of Human Rights Activists in Saudi Arabia

Human Rights Watch reports that the Saudi Arabian Public Prosecutor intends to issue death sentences for five human rights activists in the Eastern Province. This organization, along with several other human rights groups, has announced that among those being tried in a secret 'terrorism' court is Isra al-Ghomgham, the first woman facing the death penalty for her human rights activities. The charges against Ms. al-Ghomgham include 'inciting protests' and 'providing moral support to insurgents.' Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director of Human Rights Watch, stated in response to the potential executions of these activists: 'While every execution is abhorrent, the demand for the death penalty for activists like Isra al-Ghomgham, who are not even accused of violent behavior, is diabolical and horrifying.' A Saudi human rights group operating in London published a report earlier this week indicating that Isra al-Ghomgham is among those condemned. Reuters reported that it was unable to reach any Saudi government offices for comment on this matter. Human rights activists state that the trial of these five individuals is still ongoing and have denied unverified reports on social media about their execution. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, any public protest and the existence of political parties are banned; however, since the beginning of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's tenure, some economic and social reforms have been initiated. Nevertheless, these reforms have been accompanied by the arrest of dozens of clerics, intellectuals, and activists, including women who have fought for years for the right to drive in this Muslim country. A significant number of royal family members, ministers, and businessmen were also arrested last November on corruption charges, which was unexpected and shocking not only in Saudi Arabia but also for foreign investors and allies. Many of those arrested were released after an undisclosed and 'unclear' financial agreement with the Saudi government. Isra al-Ghomgham is a well-known Shia activist in Saudi Arabia who was arrested at home along with her husband a few years after the large protests in the Eastern Province. Most of the Shia minority in Saudi Arabia live in the oil-rich eastern provinces and criticize the lack of permission to hold religious ceremonies or government interference in such ceremonies and the lack of essential opportunities for work and education. Meanwhile, Saudi officials deny these allegations. Saudi Arabia has previously executed several activists based on what human rights organizations describe as 'political motivations.' Riyadh interprets the protests of its Shia citizens as part of the tension with Iran and accuses Tehran of inciting unrest in the country. On August 6, Saudi Arabia expelled the Canadian ambassador due to that country's criticism of the detention of women's rights activists and suspended any 'new economic relations' with Canada. The European Union has also called on the Saudi government to provide information regarding the detention of women's rights activists in the country. Meanwhile, Riyadh claims that no country 'can claim to care more about its citizens than the Saudi government.'