Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior executed three citizens in separate capital punishment cases this week, marking a series of state-sanctioned sentences carried out in the Jazan and Tabuk regions. The executions, occurring between July 13 and July 16, 2026, were confirmed by official ministry statements detailing the specific crimes and judicial proceedings.
Case Details: Jazan and Tabuk Executions
The most recent execution took place on Thursday, July 16, 2026, in the Jazan region. According to reporting by CNN and Akhbaar 24, the Ministry of Interior announced the execution of Atiyah bin Taher bin Ahmed Khurmi, who was convicted of murdering Abdulrahman bin Ahmed bin Zaid Asiri. The court found that Khurmi killed the victim by beating him across various parts of his body. Following his arrest by security authorities, the investigation resulted in charges being filed against him. Upon referral to the competent court, a sentence was issued proving the charges against him and ordering his execution as qisas (retribution). The verdict became final after being upheld by the relevant authorities and receiving a royal decree for implementation.
Earlier in the week, on Monday, July 13, 2026, authorities carried out an execution in the Tabuk region. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported the execution of Obeid bin Ahmed bin Faleh Al-Balawi, who was sentenced to death for the murder of Eid bin Assi bin Suwailim Al-Wabsi. The fatal incident was the result of a dispute between the two men, which culminated in Al-Balawi shooting the victim. After security forces arrested Al-Balawi and investigations were completed, the case was referred to the competent court. The court issued a verdict proving the charges and ordering his execution as qisas. This judgment was finalized after being appealed and subsequently upheld by the Supreme Court, followed by a royal decree.
Execution for Premeditated Murder in Tabuk
Also involving the Tabuk region, the Ministry of Interior announced the execution of Khalid bin Ghudayyan bin Salim Al-Huwaiti. This case involved a charge of hadd for the murder of his wife, May bint Salim bin Salim Al-Masoudi, classified as ghilah (murder by ambush or deceit). The ministry stated that the perpetrator lured his wife into his vehicle and drove her to a remote, unpopulated area. Once there, he doused her with gasoline and set her on fire, resulting in her death. The court determined that Al-Huwaiti had committed the crime through trickery and deception, taking advantage of the victim’s trust. Following the completion of all judicial procedures and the finalization of the verdict, the Supreme Court upheld the sentence, and a royal decree was issued for its implementation.
Judicial Process and Ministerial Statements
In each of these cases, the Ministry of Interior emphasized that the judicial process followed standard legal protocols, including investigations by security forces, trials in specialized courts, and final reviews by the Supreme Court. Each sentence was finalized following a royal decree for implementation. The ministry consistently reiterated its commitment to security and justice in its official statements.
“وزارة الداخلية إذ تعلن ذلك؛ لتؤكد للجميع حرص حكومة المملكة العربية السعودية على استتباب الأمن وتحقيق العدل وتنفيذ أحكام الشريعة الإسلامية في كل من يتعدى على الآمنين ويسفك دماءهم، وينتهك حقهم في الحياة، وتحذر في الوقت نفسه كل من تسول له نفسه الإقدام على مثل ذلك بأن العقاب الشرعي سيكون مصيره.. والله الهادي إلى سواء السبيل,” the Ministry of Interior stated in its release regarding the Jazan case.
The ministry’s standard language across these announcements serves as a public warning regarding the consequences of violent crime. Akhbaar 24 noted that these judicial actions are presented by the state as essential measures for maintaining public order, ensuring the application of Sharia law, and protecting the lives of citizens against those who violate their right to life. The Saudi Press Agency, which has operated since 1971, served as the primary source for the Tabuk proceedings, emphasizing its role in providing accurate and timely news coverage of local events.
The state continues to frame the execution of these sentences as a demonstration of its commitment to protecting the lives of its citizens and upholding the rule of law, warning that the Sharia punishment
will be the fate of anyone who attempts to commit similar acts of violence.
