Saudi Arabia to execute man for being at protests and funerals when he was 15

A young man faces imminent execution in Saudi Arabia for attending protests and funerals when he was aged 15 to 17, according to human rights groups. This case highlights the kingdom’s increasing use of the death penalty for non-violent crimes.

Youssef al-Manasif was arrested in 2017 and accused of participating in demonstrations advocating for religious freedom by the Shia minority and attending funerals that the Saudi authorities classify as protests. He was convicted and sentenced to death by a specialized criminal court, a secretive tribunal established for terrorism-related cases.

The charity Reprieve claims that Manasif was tortured and coerced into signing a false confession. He reportedly met his state-appointed lawyer for the first time in 2022, five years after his arrest.

Manasif’s death sentence has been upheld by the Saudi supreme court, which was likely his last chance to avoid execution. His family has not publicly commented on the case, fearing harassment or arrest.