Saudi Arabia's Disturbing Trend: Executing Minors for Protests

In a chilling development that underscores the growing repression of dissent in Saudi Arabia, Youssef al-Manasif, a young man, faces imminent execution for participating in protests and funerals as a minor. This case has sparked outrage among human rights advocates and raises critical questions about the kingdom's treatment of youth and its broader implications for civil liberties.

The Case of Youssef al-Manasif

Youssef al-Manasif was arrested in 2017 when he was just 15 years old. His alleged crimes include attending demonstrations advocating for religious freedom for the Shia minority and participating in funerals that the Saudi government has labeled as protests. Convicted by a specialized criminal court notorious for handling terrorism-related cases, al-Manasif's death sentence has reportedly been upheld by the Saudi supreme court, leaving him with little hope of reprieve.

Human rights organizations, including Reprieve, have documented serious violations in al-Manasif's case. They claim he was tortured and coerced into signing a false confession, and shockingly, he only met his state-appointed lawyer for the first time five years after his arrest. This raises alarming questions about the fairness of the judicial process in Saudi Arabia, particularly for those accused of political dissent.

A Surge in Executions and Government Repression

The execution of al-Manasif is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of increasing executions in Saudi Arabia. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom has witnessed a staggering rise in the use of the death penalty, with a record 356 executions reported last year alone. Most of these executions involved foreigners convicted of minor, non-violent drug offenses, highlighting a troubling trend of harsh penalties for relatively minor crimes.

Lead image — via The Guardian

• Key points about Saudi Arabia's execution practices:
  • Over 350 executions in 2022, a record high.
  • At least 17 individuals executed for crimes committed as minors since 2015.
  • Royal decree in 2020 aimed to abolish the death penalty for minors, yet upheld in several cases.

This alarming trend has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations, which argue that the Saudi regime is using the death penalty as a tool of intimidation against dissenters. The case of al-Manasif exemplifies how the government targets young people who dare to challenge its authority.

The International Response and Human Rights Concerns

The United Nations' independent human rights experts have expressed serious concerns regarding al-Manasif's impending execution. They have called for an immediate halt to executions of individuals convicted of offenses committed while they were minors. Activists argue that the Saudi government is leveraging the death penalty to instill fear among its citizens, particularly the youth, who are increasingly vocal about their rights and freedoms.

Duaa Dhainy, a consultant for Reprieve and the European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights, stated, “They are using execution as a tool to show how powerful they are and how they can threaten anyone who does not follow their rules.” This sentiment reflects a growing fear that the Saudi regime is willing to go to extreme lengths to suppress dissent and maintain control.

The Broader Implications for Youth and Dissent

The execution of Youssef al-Manasif raises critical questions about the future of youth activism in Saudi Arabia and the potential for government repression to escalate. While the kingdom issued a royal decree in 2020 abolishing the death penalty for minors, the continued execution of individuals like al-Manasif suggests a troubling disregard for this commitment.

As the international community watches closely, the case serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by young activists in authoritarian regimes. The implications extend beyond Saudi Arabia, as it highlights a global pattern of governments cracking down on youth-led movements and dissent.

What does this mean for the future of youth activism in repressive regimes? How can the international community effectively respond to such blatant human rights violations?