Saudi Arabia Undermines U.S. Bilateral Relationship with Execution of Shi’a Advocate

Washington, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemns Saudi Arabia’s execution of Jalal Labbad, a Shi’a Muslim from Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, part of a disturbing escalation in executions that violate international law, including religious freedom protections. Authorities arrested and tortured Labbad in relation to his participation in 2011 and 2012 protests against the Saudi government’s treatment of Shi'a citizens in al-Qatif. 

“The unjust execution of a young man, Jalal Labbad, for advocating for the religious freedom of Shi’a Saudis is a horrendous violation of human rights and undermines the progress Saudi Arabia claims as a basis for stronger ties with the United States,” said USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler. “Labbad’s execution is all the more appalling after President Trump traveled to Saudi Arabia in May and invited Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to visit Washington this fall; the U.S. government should not let the Saudi government whitewash religious freedom violations through its Vision 2030.”

Following protests in 2011 in the Eastern Province by Shi’a Saudis seeking greater religious freedom and other rights, Saudi authorities arrested and executed hundreds of Shi’a Muslims. At least one, Mustafa Darwish, was a minor during the protests. Others have been sentenced to death on similar grounds including Youssef al-Manasif and Abdullah al-Derazi despite being minors when their crimes are alleged to have occurred. In March 2022, Saudi authorities executed 41 Shi’a Muslims on charges including “deviant beliefs” for peacefully protesting FoRB conditions. 

“Saudi Arabia continues to violate international law through the execution of religious minorities, prolonged detention of FoRB prisoners, and transnational repression of religious dissidents,” said USCIRF Commissioner Steven Schneck. “It is imperative that the U.S. government raise these serious religious freedom violations in all bilaterial interactions and negotiations with Saudi government officials, including a call for commuting the imminent death sentences against Youssef al-Manasif and Abdullah al-Derazi.”

In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. State Department designate Saudi Arabia as a “Country of Particular Concern,” for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom. USCIRF’s 2024 Country Update on Saudi Arabia evaluates the systematic and ongoing discrimination against Shi’a Muslims.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].

Sentencing of Baha’i Leader in Qatar – A Systematic Pattern

Washington, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemns last week’s five-year sentence by a Qatari court falsely charging Baha’i leader Remy Rowhani for promoting a belief that “raises doubts about the fundamental principles and teachings of the Islamic religion.” On July 31, a group of United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteurs raised concerns over the “broader and disturbing pattern of disparate treatment of the Baha’i minority in Qatar.”

“Sentencing Mr. Rowhani for blasphemy is an alarming restriction on his freedom of religion or belief,” said USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler. “Proponents of blasphemy laws argue that such legislation is necessary to protect religious freedom. In practice, as shown in Mr. Rowhani’s case, blasphemy laws have empowered the Qatari government to use them to punish those who express minority viewpoints.”

Despite Qatari authorities’ efforts to highlight its religious tolerance promotion, Qatar’s ongoing restrictions on religious minorities, in particular the Baha’is and Bohra Shi’a Muslims, have become increasingly systematic. Restrictions on Baha’is include non-renewal of residency visas, the destruction of a Baha’i cemetery, job discrimination, and family separation. Members of the Dawoodi Bohra Shi’a Muslim minority have been subject to arbitrary arrests, interrogation, and increased surveillance for their religious identity. Qatar’s national curriculum promotes religiously intolerant ideas about Christians, Jews, Shi’a Muslims, and Nonbelievers. Article 256 of the Qatari penal code imposes a prison sentence of up to seven years for insulting religion. The United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief noted that the “international normative standard” for blasphemy laws is clear: “states may not impose punishment for insults, criticism or giving offence to religious ideas, icons, or places, nor can laws be used to protect the feelings of religious communities.” 

“Tolerating Qatar’s restrictions on religious freedom undermines U.S. leadership on a foundational American value,” said USCIRF Vice Chair Asif Mahmood. “Advancing religious freedom for all of Qatar’s population and protecting all religious communities must be raised by the U.S. government during every bilateral engagement with  Qatari government officials.”

In May, USCIRF raised similar concerns over religious freedom in Qatar.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].