Saudi Arabia executes seven

The move has drawn renewed criticism from international human rights organizations, who have long called for the abolition of the death penalty in Saudi Arabia.

Despite recent reforms aimed at modernizing the legal system, the frequency of executions remains high.

The Ministry of Interior stated that the punishments were necessary to maintain public order and deter the illegal drug trade.

This event coincides with severe flooding in parts of the country that has forced the closure of schools and disrupted transportation.