article_snippet: Now Amnesty has sounded the latest of several warnings over Saudi Arabia's 'unfair' justice system and harsh punishments.
article_snippet: There's no real rhyme or reason for this upsurge in executions, and in a way this makes it all the more alarming.'
article_snippet: The Saudi authorities insist there is a surge in the number of executions because .
article_snippet: One diplomatic source told the AFP news agency a surge in the number of executions had started long before the reign of King Salman, who was crowned in January after the death of new King Salman half-brother King Abdullah. '
article_snippet: The insider claimed the aim was to deter all forms of violence but the policy is linked to the kingdom's fight against the Islamic State group.
article_snippet: But Mr Kechichian said: 'The current rate has been truly unprecedented.
article_snippet: The current rate would... be a stretch to say that this is an attempt to deter violence.'
article_snippet: Amnesty's annual report last week made a similar warning. '
highlights_snippet: That is treble the number executed over the same period in 2014 .
  