Saudi execution spree continues as fears rise for Jordanian on death row

Hussein Abo al-Kheir, who the UN says should be released immediately, has been moved to a death row cell. Photograph: European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday executed two more Saudi citizens for drug offences, taking the total number of executions in the past fortnight to 17.

The kingdom had previously given a commitment it would not impose the death penalty for drug offences, but has suddenly gone back on its word, executing seven Saudi and 10 foreign nationals. Saudi Arabia has already executed 130 people this year.