Page 1 — Introduction and Context 
Saudi Arabia presents itself as a guardian of tradition and religious authority, but for many citizens, life under its rigid system is defined by fear, repression, and harsh punishments. The government enforces a strict interpretation of Islamic law, curtailing freedoms of belief, expression, and association. 

Religious minorities, dissidents, and reform-minded citizens face arrest, torture, or even execution. For many, fleeing abroad has become the only path to safety and dignity. 

Page 2 — Historical and Political Background 
Since its founding in 1932, Saudi Arabia has been governed through an alliance between the ruling Al Saud family and Wahhabi clerics. This partnership entrenched a conservative religious framework into the country’s legal and political systems. 

Over the decades, limited reforms have been overshadowed by continued repression. While recent initiatives under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have promoted modernisation in some areas, critics note that political dissent, religious freedom, and human rights remain tightly restricted. 

Page 3 — Forms of Harsh Punishments and Oppression 
Citizens face oppression in many forms: 

- Death penalty: executions for offences such as apostasy, blasphemy, and protest activity. 
- Arbitrary arrests: detentions of activists, journalists, and minority leaders. 
- Religious policing: restrictions on non-Islamic worship and strict monitoring of Islamic practice. 
- Torture and abuse: reports of ill-treatment in prisons. 
- Travel bans: restrictions preventing dissidents and their families from leaving the country. 

These practices leave citizens trapped between silence and persecution. 

Page 4 — Consequences for Citizens and Society 
For individuals, harsh punishments and oppression mean trauma, exile, or death. Families are torn apart when members are imprisoned or executed, while others seek asylum abroad. 

For Saudi society, repression stifles reform, silences diversity, and undermines trust in government. Internationally, the kingdom faces criticism for its human rights record, even as it maintains influence through oil wealth and strategic alliances. 

Page 5 — Solutions and Conclusion 
Addressing Saudi Arabia’s repression requires bold reform and external pressure. 

Key steps include: 
- Legal reforms: abolish laws criminalising dissent and apostasy. 
- Judicial independence: ensure fair trials and end arbitrary detentions. 
- Religious freedom: permit diverse forms of worship without persecution. 
- Accountability: investigate allegations of torture and executions. 
- International advocacy: support asylum seekers and press for reforms through diplomatic channels. 

Until such steps are taken, Saudi citizens will continue to flee abroad, seeking freedom from the harsh punishments and religious oppression that dominate life at home.