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Saudis execute 151 so far this year – most since 1995

SAUDI ARABIA has executed more people so far this year than in any other since 1995, with 151 killed so far — on average one person being executed every other day.

The last time the brutal Gulf monarchy executed more than 150 people in a single year was in 1995, when the state killed 192 people, Amnesty International reported on Monday night.

The grim total is already 68 per cent more than the 90 people executed last year.

About half of the 151 were for offences less serious than the “most serious crimes” — involving intentional killing — for which international law allows the death penalty.

That rubbishes the blood-soaked Saudi royals’ claim that there are strict safeguards.

Almost half of the total so far — 71 people — have been foreigners, 45 executed for drugs offences.

Amnesty Middle East director James Lynch said: “The use of the death penalty is abhorrent in any circumstance” but it was alarming that the Saudis were using it “on such a wide scale, and after trials which are grossly unfair and sometimes politically motivated.”

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