Latest news with #Tabouk
Zawya
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Zawya
United Nations (UN) expert urges Saudi Arabia to halt imminent execution of 26 Egyptian nationals for drug-related offences
The Government of Saudi Arabia must immediately halt the reportedly imminent execution of 26 Egyptian nationals sentenced to death for drug-related offences, in violation of international law, an UN expert said today. 'The Government's claim that applying the death penalty for offences such as smuggling, receiving and distributing narcotic substances under the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Act complies with international law is incompatible with its legal obligations under International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,' said Morris Tidball-Binz, the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions. 'The right not to be arbitrarily deprived of life is a fundamental tenet of international law, from which no derogation is permitted,' Tidball-Binz said. The 26 Egyptian nationals, currently held on death row in Tabouk prison, have reportedly been informed that their executions will take place shortly after the Eid al-Adha holidays. This follows the execution of two other Egyptians from the same group, carried out on 24 and 25 May respectively, without prior notification to their families. UN experts previously raised these cases with the Government of Saudi Arabia in a formal communication, to which the Government responded. 'The death penalty for drug-related offences fails to meet the threshold of the 'most serious crimes, and lacks conclusive evidence of serving as an effective deterrent,' the expert said. According to court documents reviewed by the expert, some of the Egyptian prisoners were denied legal representation, while others were convicted based on self-incriminating statements which they later retracted in court, claiming that they were made under coercion. 'The right to effective legal representation must be ensured at all stages of criminal proceedings – during interrogations, preliminary hearings, trial, and appeal – and constitutes an effective safeguard against torture and other forms of ill-treatment,' the expert said. 'Violations of fair trial guarantees leading to the imposition of the death penalty render such sentences arbitrary and unlawful,' he added. Since the beginning of 2025, Saudi Arabia has reportedly executed 141 individuals, approximately 68 of whom were foreign nationals. The vast majority were reportedly executed for non-lethal drug offences, in clear violation of international law. Imposing death sentences and carrying out executions for such offences significantly increases the number of people worldwide subjected to punishments fundamentally incompatible with human rights norms, and amounting to arbitrary deprivation of life. 'I urgently call on the Government of Saudi Arabia to halt the planned executions of the 26 Egyptian nationals, to abolish the death penalty for drug-related offences, and to ensure that its drug control policies fully comply with its international human rights obligations, notably the right to life,' the expert said. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
Muscat Daily
13-02-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
SFZ powers Omani industry boom with OR 4.7 billion investment
Salalah – The 'Made in Salalah Free Zone' exhibition opened in Salalah, shining a spotlight on the Sultanate's booming industrial sector as part of Omani Industry Day celebrations. With a staggering OR 4.7 billion in investments and a soaring 40% annual growth rate, Salalah Free Zone (SFZ) is rapidly transforming into a powerhouse of Omani manufacturing. The exhibition, featuring 32 leading industrial companies in pharmaceuticals, food production, and petrochemicals, showcased cutting-edge innovations and Oman's industrial prowess. Dr Ali bin Mohammed Tabouk, CEO of SFZ, highlighted the zone's pivotal role in catapulting Omani industries onto the global stage. He noted that SFZ now hosts 41 industrial projects spanning over 6.2 million square metres, with the industrial sector driving 60 per cent of total investments. Tabouk also emphasised SFZ's commitment to job creation, with 3,096 individuals directly employed and an Omanisation rate of 34 per cent. He described the Free Zone as a magnet for investors, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure and a highly competitive business environment, positioning Oman as a leading hub for industrial innovation.
Times of Oman
12-02-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
'Made in Salalah Free Zone' exhibition marks Omani Industry Day
Salalah: An exhibition themed "Made in Salalah Free Zone" was opened in the Wilayat of Salalah on Wednesday in celebration of the Omani Industry Day, which falls on 9 February every year. The exhibition forms part of the efforts of Salalah Free Zone (SFZ) to enhance industrial investments and augment the competitiveness of Omani products. SFZ efforts include the development of advanced infrastructure and a flexible and attractive business environment. The exhibition saw the participation of 32 industrial companies specialized in pharmaceutical, food and petrochemical industries. It showcases the latest products and innovative solutions and embodies the diversity of the Omani industrial sector. The event included specialised workshops in the field of developing industrial skills and raising the standards of quality and productivity. Dr. Ali bin Mohammed Tabouk, CEO of Salalah Free Zone, said that SFZ seeks to empower national industries and boost their ability to expand into regional and global markets by hosting a group of leading Omani companies in the field of production and manufacturing. Tabouk explained that SFZ hosts 41 industrial projects operating on a leased area exceeding 6.2 million square metres. This reflects the expansion of the industrial sector, which constitutes 60 percent of the total investments in the zone, he added. Tabouk pointed out that the total volume of investments in Salalah Free Zone stands at OMR4.7 billion, with a compound annual growth rate of 40 percent over the past five years. He added that about 3,096 employees were directly recruited, with a 9 percent annual growth rate and an Omanisation rate of 34 percent.
