Saudi Arabia
2026
STATUSRetentionist
EXECUTIONS 20269
SENTENCES0
- GOVERNMENT
- absolute monarchy
- CONSTITUTION
- Sharia applies; a fundamental law establishing the rights and responsibilities of the government was introduced in 1992
- LEGAL SYSTEM
- based on Sharia law but some secular norms have been introduced
- LEGISLATIVE SYSTEM
- Advisory Council, appointed by the king for 4 years
- JUDICIAL SYSTEM
- Supreme Council of Justice
RELIGIONS
100% Muslims
From the country
- JANUARY 1, 1999Saudi ArabiaDEATH PENALTY
Executions are carried out in public with a sword
Executions are carried out in public with a sword
- JANUARY 1, 1999Saudi ArabiaDEATH PENALTY
The number of executions in Saudi Arabia has increased...
The number of executions in Saudi Arabia has increased sharply over the past year, with 99 carried out in 1999, compared to 29 for the whole of 1998
- JANUARY 1, 1999Saudi ArabiaDEATH PENALTY
Saudi Arabia said an official account of how many people...
Saudi Arabia said an official account of how many people were on death row was not available, but there was concern that 59 people were reportedly facing charges that carry the death penalty
- JANUARY 1, 1999Saudi ArabiaDEATH PENALTY
Saudi Arabia was a cosponsor of the amendments presented...
Saudi Arabia was a cosponsor of the amendments presented by Egypt (A/C
- JANUARY 1, 1999Saudi ArabiaDEATH PENALTY
Saudi Arabia applies strict Shari'a law by publicly...
Saudi Arabia applies strict Shari'a law by publicly beheading convicted murderers, rapists, drug smugglers and other criminals, though a victim's immediate family can accept financial compensation, known as "blood money," and spare the life of a convicted