Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is situated in Western Asia, geographically positioned on the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by several countries, including Iraq and Kuwait to the north, Jordan to the northwest, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the southeast, and Yemen to the south. This strategic location in the Middle East places Saudi Arabia at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, historically and currently significant for trade routes and geopolitical influence. The country holds substantial weight in global affairs, particularly due to its vast oil reserves and its role as the birthplace of Islam, home to the religion’s holiest cities, Mecca and Medina.
Despite its global importance and economic power, Saudi Arabia faced significant scrutiny regarding its human rights record in 2023. This report delves into the key human rights issues documented throughout the year, providing a crucial overview of the state of freedoms and rights within the kingdom.
Freedom of Expression Under Scrutiny
In 2023, Saudi Arabian authorities continued their crackdown on freedom of expression, targeting individuals who peacefully exercised their rights. The Specialized Criminal Court (SCC), initially established for terrorism-related cases, became a tool to silence dissent. People were handed lengthy prison sentences merely for expressing their opinions, often online via platforms like X (formerly Twitter). These actions highlight a concerning trend of suppressing voices critical of the government or advocating for reforms, despite Saudi Arabia’s prominent location and influence on the global stage.
Unfair Trials and Detentions
The judicial processes within Saudi Arabia remained deeply flawed. Individuals were routinely subjected to arbitrary detention, often without formal charges or the ability to challenge their detention’s legality. Many faced trials in the SCC that were deemed grossly unfair, with vague charges of “terrorism” used to criminalize peaceful opposition. These practices raise serious questions about the rule of law within a nation that plays a significant role in the international community due to its geographical and economic standing.
Notable cases highlight this alarming trend:
- Salma al-Shehab: This PhD student at Leeds University, also a mother of two, received a shocking 27-year prison sentence followed by a 27-year travel ban. Her “crime” was publishing tweets supporting women’s rights and expressing opinions deemed critical of the Saudi government. Her case underscores the severe restrictions on freedom of expression, even for individuals connected to international academic institutions.
- Sabry Shalaby: An Egyptian physician, Shalaby was sentenced to 10 years in prison for supporting the Muslim Brotherhood, an organization classified as terrorist in Saudi Arabia. His trial was marred by unfairness, and he was subjected to prolonged solitary confinement and denied adequate medical care, raising concerns about the treatment of detainees and the fairness of the judicial system.
- Salman Alodah: The trial of this religious cleric continued for a fifth year, facing 37 charges linked to his calls for government reforms and perceived affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood. His prolonged detention and trial exemplify the suppression of dissenting voices, even from religious figures advocating for peaceful change.
These cases, among others, demonstrate a pattern of using the legal system to silence dissent and punish individuals for exercising fundamental rights, a stark contrast to the image of modernization and progress that Saudi Arabia often seeks to project.
Targeting Human Rights Defenders
Human rights defenders in Saudi Arabia faced relentless persecution. Arbitrary detentions, travel bans, and enforced disappearances were used to silence those advocating for human rights and accountability. Despite Saudi Arabia’s location being a hub for international interactions, local human rights advocacy is severely restricted.
- Mohammed al-Qahtani: A founding member of the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association, al-Qahtani remained forcibly disappeared even after his prison term expired, highlighting the authorities’ determination to silence critical voices beyond formal imprisonment.
- Loujain al-Hathloul: This prominent women’s rights defender, though released from prison in 2021, remained subject to a travel ban, restricting her freedom of movement and ability to engage with international human rights platforms.
The continued targeting of human rights defenders showcases a deep-seated intolerance for dissent and a systematic effort to suppress any form of independent human rights advocacy within Saudi Arabia.
The Death Penalty: A Harsh Reality
Saudi Arabia continued to implement the death penalty extensively in 2023, raising serious concerns about its application and fairness. Death sentences were handed down and carried out for a wide range of offenses, including cases involving individuals who were children at the time of the alleged crime. This practice stands in stark contrast to international human rights standards and raises questions about Saudi Arabia’s commitment to justice and human dignity.
- Hussein Abo al-Kheir: The execution of this Jordanian father of eight for drug smuggling, following a grossly unfair trial where he was allegedly tortured into confession and denied legal representation, exemplifies the problematic application of the death penalty. The authorities’ refusal to return his body to his family further compounded the injustice.
- Child Offenders: Despite assurances from the Saudi Human Rights Commission about abolishing the death penalty for juvenile ta’zir crimes, at least seven child offenders remained at imminent risk of execution. This discrepancy between official statements and the reality on the ground casts doubt on the promised reforms and highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the judicial system.
- Mohammad bin Nasser al-Ghamdi: This 54-year-old retired teacher was sentenced to death solely for his peaceful online activity on Twitter and YouTube. His conviction under counterterrorism laws for criticizing the government and expressing solidarity with political detainees underscores the extreme measures taken to silence even mild dissent online.
The continued use of the death penalty, particularly in cases involving questionable trials and for non-violent offenses, paints a grim picture of the justice system within Saudi Arabia.
Migrants’ Rights Violations
Migrants in Saudi Arabia, drawn to the country due to its economic opportunities stemming from its location and oil wealth, faced severe human rights abuses. Crackdowns on undocumented migrants led to mass arrests and deportations, while migrant workers faced exploitation and abuse.
- Mass Deportations: Hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals were deported in 2023 as part of a crackdown on “violations of labor, residency, and border security regulations.” This mass deportation raises concerns about due process and the rights of migrants, particularly those in vulnerable situations.
- Abuse of Nepali Migrant Workers: Nepali workers employed in Amazon warehouses faced treatment that may amount to human trafficking for labor exploitation. Deception by recruitment agencies, wage withholding, inadequate housing, and physical and verbal abuse were reported. The lack of support and restrictions on their ability to change jobs or leave the country highlight the vulnerability of migrant workers within the Saudi labor system.
- Killings at the Yemen Border: Saudi border guards were documented killing Ethiopian migrants and asylum seekers attempting to cross the border from Yemen. Reports indicate the use of explosive weapons and close-range shootings, resulting in hundreds of deaths, including children. These actions represent a shocking violation of international human rights and refugee law, highlighting the brutal treatment of migrants seeking entry into Saudi Arabia.
These abuses against migrants underscore a systemic disregard for the rights and dignity of non-citizens within Saudi Arabia, despite the country’s reliance on migrant labor and its position as a global economic player.
Discrimination Against Women
Despite some reforms aimed at improving women’s rights, significant discrimination persists in law and practice. Women continue to face legal and social barriers in areas such as marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance. The Personal Status Law perpetuates male guardianship, undermining women’s autonomy and equality.
- Carly Morris Case: The overturning of a custody ruling in favor of a US citizen mother, based on her relocation, demonstrates the discriminatory application of the Personal Status Law. The lack of notification about court sessions and the subsequent denial of communication with her daughter highlight the legal disadvantages faced by women in custody disputes.
- Manahel al-Otaibi Case: The charges against this fitness instructor for “defaming the kingdom” and “challenging traditions” for advocating for women’s liberal clothing choices and opposing male guardianship laws exemplify the ongoing suppression of women’s rights advocacy and the enforcement of conservative social norms.
These cases illustrate that while some progress has been made, women in Saudi Arabia continue to face significant legal and social discrimination, limiting their full participation in society and hindering the realization of gender equality.
Environmental Concerns
Saudi Arabia, a leading oil producer, also remained a significant contributor to global CO2 emissions. Despite international calls for reducing fossil fuel dependence, Saudi Arabia continued to prioritize oil production and expansion, raising concerns about its commitment to addressing climate change.
- Blocking G20 Fossil Fuel Initiative: Reports indicated that Saudi Arabia blocked a G20 initiative to reduce fossil fuel use, highlighting its resistance to transitioning away from its oil-dependent economy.
- Saudi Aramco Production Expansion: The state-owned oil giant, Saudi Aramco, continued to increase oil production and planned further expansion, contributing significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. The company’s substantial contribution to climate change raises questions about Saudi Arabia’s environmental responsibility and its alignment with global efforts to combat climate change.
Saudi Arabia’s continued focus on fossil fuel production and its resistance to emissions reduction initiatives contradict global efforts to address climate change and raise concerns about its environmental impact, given its significant role in the global energy market.
Conclusion
In 2023, Saudi Arabia, a country of significant geographical and economic importance, faced serious criticisms regarding its human rights record. The suppression of freedom of expression, unfair trials, the extensive use of the death penalty, violations of migrants’ rights, and discrimination against women remained pressing concerns. While located in a strategically vital region and wielding considerable global influence, Saudi Arabia’s human rights practices raise questions about its adherence to international norms and its commitment to fundamental freedoms and justice. Addressing these human rights issues is crucial for Saudi Arabia to align its domestic practices with its international standing and aspirations.
