Norway condemns execution in Yemen

I strongly condemn the execution of Hind Al-Barti in Yemen earlier this month. Norway is deeply concerned about Yemen’s continued use of the death penalty, particularly the execution of minors,” said State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Gry Larsen.

Hind Al-Barti was 15 when she was condemned to death for killing another girl. The execution of people who were under age at time the crime was committed is a clear violation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Yemen is a party.

From 2006 to 2010, 14 minors are believed to have been executed in Yemen, and 21 minors have been condemned to death.

“It is deeply regrettable that Yemen continues to apply the death penalty to minors despite having promised the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child that it would abolish the death penalty for minors,” said Ms Larsen. 

Reports of three forthcoming executions in Yemen give grounds for concern. Waleed Hussein Haikal and Muhammad Abduh Qasim al-Taweel were 15 at the time their crimes were committed, while Mohammad Taher Samoum was only 13. All three are in immediate danger of being executed.

“Norway urges the Government of Yemen to stop these executions immediately, and to comply with its international obligations and abolish the death penalty for minors,” said Ms Larsen.