I am increasingly concerned about the situation in Saudi Arabia. The number of executions has risen sharply this year. Whilst, according to official figures, 87 people were executed last year, the figure for this year already stands at well over 100. The Federal Government is working towards the abolition of this cruel and inhuman punishment under all circumstances.

Ali Mohammed Baqir al‑Nimr has been sentenced to death. He is accused of taking part in demonstrations whilst armed. Al‑Nimr was still a minor at the time.

Saudi Arabia is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child which forbids capital punishment for minors. I call on Saudi Arabia to uphold the standards of this Convention and to commute the death penalty.