Power, control, and oppression:
A Kingdom's human rights atrocities

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East region and operates under an absolute monarchy where power is concentrated in the hands of key members of the royal family. Despite some superficial reforms, the broader human rights landscape remains deeply concerning.

Currently, the Kingdom faces scrutiny for various abuses, including the suppression of dissent, a lack of civil liberties and political rights, its role in regional conflicts and mass executions following what Amnesty International calls  “grossly unfair trials”.

One of the most visible areas of abuse is the criminalisation of freedom of expression and political dissent. Activists, journalists, and critics frequently face arbitrary arrests, torture, and even assassinations, as was the case with the brutal killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
 
Surveillance of journalists is also pervasive, and according to Reporters without Borders the number of imprisoned journalists and bloggers has tripled since 2017. That places Saudi Arabia as number 166 out of 180 countries on the 2024 Press Freedom Index. 

The restriction of women's rights remains a significant issue in Saudi Arabia, although so-called reforms have allowed women to drive and participate in public life to a greater degree. Women still face legal and social barriers, especially regarding inheritance and child custody, while the male guardianship system, which restricts women’s autonomy, also remains in place. 

The Kingdom has also cracked down on Saudi women who speak out against the oppressive laws and several women's rights activists have received decades-long jail sentences. 

Among them is activist Loujain Alhathloul, who was convicted for advocating women’s right to drive and opposing the male guardianship system. According to Amnesty International, she has been subjected to torture, sexual abuse, and other forms of mistreatment, all while being denied access to her family and legal counsel. Although a court-imposed travel ban on Loujain Alhathloul expired in November 2023, she remains under an indefinite and arbitrary travel ban with no expiry date.

Saudi Arabia’s use of the death penalty has also drawn widespread condemnation. The country ranks among the highest in the world for executions, often carried out by beheading. In the first nine months of 2024 alone, the Saudi regime executed at least 200 many of which were for drug-related offenses.

Migrant workers who account for a significant portion of Saudi Arabia’s overall workforce face widespread and systemic abuse including exploitative labour practices, harsh working environments, and living conditions unfit for humans. 

Meanwhile, refugees fleeing to Saudi Arabia face even greater threats, and in September 2023 a report by Human Rights Watch exposed how Saudi border guards have killed hundreds of unarmed Ethiopian migrants attempting to cross the Yemen-Saudi border.