It is a basic principle of economics that where there is a demand for goods or services, it will soon be supplied. So Saudi Arabia need not worry about a backlog of prisoners clogging up the system while waiting to have their heads cut off: would-be executioners will be applying in droves, no doubt, for one of eight new jobs advertised this week. The Saudi kingdom has already put 85 people to death this year, but it is obviously anticipating an increase in death sentences.
“Saudi authorities have not said why the number of executions has increased so rapidly, but diplomats have speculated it may be because more judges have been appointed, allowing a backlog of appeal cases to be heard,” reports the Irish Times. And it seems anyone can apply: no experience necessary, although applicants should note that as “religious functionaries,” the salary “would be on the lower end of the Saudi civil service pay scale.” Many of those executed are guilty of drugs offences. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both condemned Saudi Arabia’s increasing use of the death penalty.
