Saudi Arabia may execute Youssef al-Manasif for being at protests and funerals as a teenager, including at 15

Case raises rights concerns

Youssef al-Manasif faces execution for attending protests and funerals between the ages of 15 and 17, human rights groups say. They describe the case as part of Saudi Arabia’s increased use of the death penalty for non-violent crimes.

Family remains silent

Al-Manasif’s family has not spoken publicly about the case. They could face harassment or arrest if they do, according to the report.

Executions of child defendants

Reprieve says at least 17 people have been executed in Saudi Arabia since 2015 for alleged offences committed when they were children. The kingdom has upheld death sentences in several cases involving child defendants. In April, Saudi Arabia executed Ali al-Subaiti and his uncle, Mustafa al-Subaiti, for non-lethal “terrorist” offences committed when Ali was 12, according to the report.

UN experts urge halt

The UN’s independent human rights experts have previously raised concerns about al-Manasif’s case. They said Saudi Arabia should immediately stop planned executions of people convicted of offences allegedly committed before they turned 18.

Dhainy said the authorities were using executions to demonstrate power and threaten people who did not follow their rules. She said al-Manasif should be treated as a minor because the charges concern alleged conduct before he was 18.