Saudi Arabia has executed 17 people over three days, mostly for drug offenses, marking a rapid increase in capital punishment this year, with concerns raised over human rights and the use of the death penalty for drug-related crimes, especially involving foreigners.
Amnesty International reports that Saudi Arabia has executed nearly 600 foreigners for drug offenses over the past decade, with a recent surge in executions after a temporary halt, raising concerns over unfair trials, exploitation, and human rights abuses, prompting calls for international pressure.
Robert Chambers, known as the "Preppy Killer" for murdering Jennifer Levin in Central Park in 1986, has been released from prison again after serving time for unrelated drug crimes. Chambers served a 15-year sentence for manslaughter and burglary, and was released in 2003. He was imprisoned again in 2008 for drug-related charges and has now been released on parole. Chambers will be under post-release supervision until July 2028.
The Minnesota Senate has passed a bill legalizing adult-use marijuana, which will now enter final negotiations with the Minnesota House. The bill sets up a structure for growing and selling cannabis while revisiting convictions for past drug crimes. The Senate Republicans opposed the bill, citing concerns over substance abuse, highway safety, and the ability to crack down on illicit sales. The bill would allow people at least 21 years old to possess, use, and purchase marijuana legally this summer, but dispensaries may not be up and running until 2024. The bills also diverge on the speed of expungements of past marijuana offenses.