Saudi Arabia executes two citizens for terrorism-related offenses

Saudi Arabian authorities executed two citizens on Saturday, November 14, 2026, for crimes related to terrorism. The Saudi Ministry of Interior stated that the executed individuals were involved in joining a foreign terrorist organization, firing at security forces, possessing weapons, and providing financial support for terrorist operations.

Details of the executions

One of the executed men, Jawad Qureiris, was 29 years old at the time of the execution. Reports from Reprieve indicate that Jawad Qureiris was arrested in December 2020 and confessed under torture. Furthermore, Jawad Qureiris was accused of organizing and participating in protests via social media when he was 14 years old.

The executions follow a pattern of judicial actions in the country. Since January 2026, Saudi Arabia has conducted 17 executions for terrorism-related offenses, which have occurred primarily in the eastern part of the country. This follows 40 terrorism-related executions that took place in 2025.

National and global execution statistics

In 2026, Saudi Arabia has executed a total of 211 people. Of these individuals, 100 were Saudi citizens. The country has also carried out significant numbers of executions for drug trafficking. According to AFP, 126 people have been executed for drug trafficking in 2026. This group of 126 includes 90 foreigners, 34 of whom are Ethiopian nationals.

Amnesty International reported that Saudi Arabia ranks third globally in the number of executions carried out between 2022 and 2025, following China and Iran. The use of capital punishment for terrorism-related charges remains a consistent element of the judicial system.

Minority and historical context

The execution of individuals involved in political unrest has impacted minority groups. Since August 2025, five men from the Shia minority, who were minors at the time of their alleged crimes, have been executed for participating in the 2011 and 2012 Arab Spring protests. These individuals were executed in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia in mid-October 2026 on similar charges.

The Shia minority in Saudi Arabia lives primarily in the oil-rich eastern province. Members of this minority group have long alleged discrimination and marginalization by the Sunni majority.

Glossary

• Saudi Ministry of Interior — The Saudi Ministry of Interior is a government body that provides various e-services to citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia. It is the entity that stated the reasons for recent executions related to terrorism.
• Shia minority — The Shia minority is a group of people living primarily in the oil-rich eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Members of this minority group have long alleged discrimination and marginalization by the Sunni majority.
• Sunni majority — The Sunni majority is the predominant religious group in Saudi Arabia. Members of the Shia minority have long alleged discrimination and marginalization by this group.
• Arab Spring — The Arab Spring refers to a period of political unrest and protests that occurred in 2011. These protests involved individuals participating in social and political movements across the region.