Saudi abolishes death penalty for minors, new order will save six lives

Dubai, Ta. 27 April 2020, Monday

Saudi Arabia's King Salman has ordered the abolition of the death penalty for crimes committed by minors. A top Saudi official made the announcement in a statement. The verdict was preceded by another ruling ordering the abolition of flogging and replacing it with imprisonment, fines or community service.

The abolition of the death penalty for minors marked the end of the most controversial form of punishment in the empire. Shah Salman's son and successor Yuvraj (Crown Prince) Mohammed bin Salman is believed to be responsible for the verdict. Saudi Arabia is currently easing various sanctions and distancing itself from ultra-orthodox definitions of Islamic law. However, many people in the country still believe in this Islamic law.

Yuvraj bin Salman's goal is to take the country towards modernization, bring in foreign investment into the country and increase Saudi's credibility globally. At least six lives will be saved in the country due to Shah Salman's new royal order. They all belong to the minority Shia community and he allegedly committed the crime under the age of 18.