Both with respect to numbers and for broad range of “offenses” which carry death sentence, the OHCHR - UN Human rights Office released the following assessment or “alarm”: “ We are alarmed at the significant increase in the use of the death penalty in Saudi Arabia in 2011. According to reports, the number of executions almost tripled last year compared with 2010. Saudi Arabia applies the death penalty for a wide range of offences. Last month (December), yet another woman was executed on charges of sorcery and witchcraft. What is even more worrying is that court proceedings often reportedly fall far short of international fair trial standards, and the use of torture as a means to obtain confessions appears to be rampant. We call on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to respect international standards guaranteeing due process and protection of the rights of those facing the death penalty, to progressively restrict the use of the death penalty and to reduce the number of offences for which it may be imposed. We are also gravely concerned at the sentence of “cross amputation” handed down to six men convicted on charges of highway robbery. On 24 December, the Supreme Court upheld the sentences, which will involve amputation of the men's right hands and left feet. We call on the authorities to halt the use of such cruel, inhuman, degrading punishment. As a party to the Convention against Torture, Saudi Arabia is bound by the absolute prohibition against the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.” --- The UN Human Rights Office has offered its view that the current practices are inconsistent with current international conventions by which Saudi Arabia is bound and what the OHCHR defined above as “cruel, inhuman, degrading punishment.” I would also propose that such treatment of fellow human beings is no longer consistent with Islam.One consideration is whether death sentences can be consistently delivered and with the primacy of justice prevailing. However, the issue of executions itself is not infallible even as we may accept God and Word as such. Islamic theology is not static even as the Koran remains the constant. Application is subject to thoughtful review and further analysis. Many of us take the view that the death penalty as a whole, whether applied in the United States, China, Japan, Iran or Saudi Arabia is inconsistent with our shared humanity and respect for life. Justice requires rule of law and holding the responsible/guilty accountable, but blood/vengeance is neither a remedy for victims nor a triumph for society and morality. By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX War Crimes Justice” Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/war-crimes-justice