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Parliamentary question - P-007721/2015(ASW)Parliamentary question
P-007721/2015(ASW)

Answer given by the High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini on behalf of the Commission

The EEAS including the EU Delegation in Riyadh, follows closely developments in the case of Sheikh Al-Nimr raised by the honourable MEP. For the time being, available information does not indicate that the implementation of the death sentence is imminent, as it is not clear whether all judicial proceedings have been completed.

Saudi Arabia's Human Rights record remains a matter of concern for the European Union and the situation is particularly worrying as regards the death penalty, with a view of the dramatic increase in executions since the end of 2014.

The Universal Periodic Review Second cycle, which the country underwent in October 2013 at the UN Human Rights Council, was an opportunity to discuss the overall situation of Human Rights in Saudi Arabia, including the use of the Death Penalty. The EU is consistently engaged with the Saudi authorities in an ongoing dialogue on concerns over the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the Kingdom and encourages reform measures, building in particular on the recommendations made during the UPR, notably as regards restricting the scope of implementation of the Death Penalty and ensuring standards of fair and transparent trial.

The EU will continue to closely follow the case of Sheikh Al-Nimr and the Death Penalty issue in Saudi Arabia and to voice its concern through appropriate diplomatic channels.