The European Union deeply regrets the latest reported executions of 12 individuals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

As a matter of principle, the EU is strongly opposed to the death penalty at all times and under all circumstances. It is the ultimate violation of the inalienable right to life and constitutes a cruel, inhumane and degrading punishment. It has been proven ineffective as a deterrent to crime and makes miscarriages of justice irreversible.

The EU will continue to raise its position with Saudi interlocutors, advocating for a complete de facto moratorium of the death penalty, as a first step towards a formal and full abolition, in line with the worldwide trend.