Saudi Arabia executes former child protester Jawad Qureiris

Saudi Arabia has executed Jawad Qureiris, who was detained and accused of protest-related offences after demonstrations in 2011–12, when he was a child. The execution has drawn criticism from a rights group, which says the case reflects the use of capital punishment against dissent and raises concerns about children facing the death penalty.

The Saudi Press Agency also confirmed the execution of Fadel bin Hassan bin Abdullah Al-Safwani. The Interior Ministry said both men were convicted of terrorism-related offences, including attacks on security personnel and logistical support; it said their convictions were upheld by the Supreme Court and approved by royal decree. Qureiris was arrested in 2020, and his family said he was tortured into making a false confession. Since August 2025, five men from Shia families in eastern Saudi Arabia have been executed for offences linked to demonstrations they allegedly took part in as children.