Saudi Arabia’s recent execution of Iranian prisoners accused of drug trafficking came as shock.

 

The executions showed that judicial rulings in the Saudi kingdom are not up to the standards of the modern world. 

 

Political analysts say the action showed that Riyadh is taking advantage of Iran’s dispute with the West over its nuclear program. 

 

The Saudis may claim that the executions were carried out in line with the country’s laws, but the hasty decision to issue the death sentences looked more like something out of medieval times.

 

There is no justification for these Iranian citizens’ involvement in drug dealing, but the punishment was not commensurate with the crime and was far too harsh.

 

In certain countries, including Iran, some drug traffickers who are repeat offenders, after being treated more leniently several times, may be sentenced to death, but executing a foreign national for a crime less serious than murder is a sign of barbarity. 

 

The executions also proved that Saudi Arabia is pursuing a hostile policy toward Iran. The executions happened despite the fact that Iranian officials had contacted Saudi authorities repeatedly and urged them to refrain from such a cruel action.

 

The Saudis even violated international law by refusing to allow the prisoners consular access and also did not allow them to have lawyers and interpreters in the court. In addition, there are doubts about whether there even were any proper judicial proceedings.

 

Through such an action, the Saudi authorities sent a clear signal to the world that one should not be surprised if Saudi Arabian society produces savage-minded people like Osama bin Laden.