Crime and punishment in Saudi Arabia

Types of punishment
in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has a Shari'ah-based
criminal justice system that adheres
to a certain state-approved
interpretation of Islam. Executions
are typically carried out by being
shot or by a firing squad, although
they can also be done via hanging
and beheading with a sword.
Executions take place in public in
Saudi Arabia.
Do women get treated
different 
The law also discriminates against
women in matters of marriage by
allowing a Muslim woman to only
marry a Muslim man, but allowing
a Muslim man to marry a Christian,
Jewish or Muslim woman. Under
international law, this
differentiation impairs a woman's
right to freely choose her spouse.
Inequality
In the case of women, restrictions and
gender discrimination that can affect
their access to justice and treatment
within the legal system have been
documented. Unequal application of
the law has also been reported,
particularly regarding offenses such as
adultery or apostasy, which can
disproportionately impact certain
groups.
Statistics •As we can see, the situation is improving.

Year Number of female Percentage of

prisoners total prison
population

2000 1,570 6.6%

2017 1,269 1.9%

Loujain al-Hathloul
Loujain al-Hathloul is an example of a woman who was
unjustly imprisoned in Saudi Arabia. She was arrested in
2018 for her activism in favor of women's rights and
endured mistreatment and torture during her detention.
After more than two years in prison, she was released in
February 2021 but remains under restrictions. Her case
has been emblematic of human rights repression in the
country.
Raif Badawi
Raif Badawi is an example of someone unjustly
imprisoned in Saudi Arabia. He was arrested for
his writings advocating freedom of expression
and criticizing the religious establishment.
Despite international outcry, he remains in
prison, highlighting the limitations on freedom of
speech in the country.
Abu al-Khair
Waleed Abu al-Khair, a prominent human
rights lawyer and activist in Saudi Arabia, was
unjustly imprisoned in 2014 for his peaceful
advocacy. He received a 15-year prison
sentence for defending activists and
promoting human rights reforms. His case
highlights the challenges faced by human
rights defenders in the country and the
restrictions on freedom of expression and
association. Efforts to secure his release have
been ongoing, but he remains in prison.
Compare and contrast
Saudi Arabia and Spain have distinct differences in their
crime and punishment systems. Saudi Arabia follows an
Islamic legal system based on Sharia law, with strict
punishments such as corporal punishment and capital
punishment. Spain operates under a civil law system with
less severe punishments, including fines and
imprisonment. Saudi Arabia's legal system aligns more
with cultural and religious traditions, while Spain adheres
to international human rights standards.
Reflection
The inequality in Saudi Arabian prisons leads us to reflect on the importance of
justice and respect for human rights. All inmates, regardless of their gender,
religion, or ethnicity, deserve equal treatment and respect for their fundamental
rights. We must work to eliminate barriers and prejudices that perpetuate this
inequality and build a more equitable society.