Rights Groups Denounce Historic Peak in Executions in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom has surpassed its own annual record for the use of capital punishment for a second year running.

At least 347 people have been executed so far this year, as reported by a UK-based campaign group that tracks such sentences.

This figure exceeds the total of 345 noted in 2024, representing what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated."

The most recent individuals to be executed were two Pakistani nationals sentenced on illegal substance violations.

Breakdown of the Sentences

Further cases this year comprised a reporter and two individuals who were children at the time of their reported offences linked to demonstrations.

Five of those were female. Yet, as stated by the monitoring group, the majority—approximately two-thirds—were convicted for non-lethal drug-related offences.

Global organizations have said that applying the capital punishment for such offences is "violates international norms and standards."

Over 50% of those executed were individuals from other countries, implicated in what has been labeled a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

"Saudi Arabia is operating with absolute immunity now," remarked a official of the monitoring group. "It's almost making a mockery of the human rights system."

The official further characterized extracted statements through mistreatment as "systemic" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Individual Cases

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young fisherman from Egypt, detained in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was forced into carrying illegal substances.

Family members of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have described the "terror" they now live in.

"The single occasion of the week that I find peace is on the weekend because there are no death sentences carried out on those days," an individual recounted.

Fellow inmates have according to accounts witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged in protest to their death."

Political Climate

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has led profound social changes, relaxing some limitations while at the same time suppressing opposition.

While the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to global watchdogs.

"There's been no cost for carrying out these executions," said a expert focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with minimal fallout."

Reports suggest families of the executed are usually not informed in advance, denied the bodies, and not informed about the location of graves.

Global Condemnation

A global human rights official has urged an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual elimination.

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international protections," including access to lawyers and diplomatic support for detainees from abroad.

Notable instances have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their reported offences and a reporter executed on claims of disloyalty.

"Capital punishment against members of the press is a chilling attack on free speech," stated a senior UN cultural official.

In a official communication to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture."

The response further stated that the ultimate sentence is imposed only for the "gravest offences" and after concluding all court appeals.