Saudi Arabia: woman executed for killing her mother

A woman was executed on October 18, 2026, in Saudi Arabia after being found guilty of the murder of her mother and the attempted murder of her sister.

The woman, a Saudi national, was executed "in view of the heinous nature of the crime and the fact that her actions constituted a prohibited act and a grave offence, one of the gravest major sins and a severe act of filial disobedience", the country's Ministry of Interior said in a statement.

Authorities identified the killer as Sahar bint Faisal bin Fayyad Al-Hanini Al-Harbi and said the crime took place in Al-Qassim region in central Saudi Arabia. 

According to court documents, Sahar murdered her mother, Amal bint Tulaihan bin Sa’noun Al-Harbi, also a Saudi national, by shooting her and desecrating her body. She also attempted to murder her sister.

Following her arrest, investigations led to charging Sahar with the crimes. A subsequent court ruling covicted her and it became final after being appealed. The Supreme Court then upheld the sentence and a royal order was issued to enforce the punishment in accordance with Islamic law (Sharia).

The Saudi government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining security, ensuring justice and enforcing Sharia rulings against anyone who attacks innocent people, sheds their blood or violates their right to life and security. It also warned that anyone who commits such acts would face the punishment prescribed under Islamic law.