The European Union expresses its regret over the execution of 15 individuals that have taken place in Saudi Arabia since the beginning of March, including a case for drug related offences.

As a matter of principle, the European Union strongly opposes the death penalty at all times and in all circumstances. It is a cruel and inhumane punishment, which fails to act as a deterrent to crime and represents an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity. The European Union will continue to work for the abolition of the death penalty in the few remaining countries that still apply it.