Advocacy Organizations Denounce New Record in Executions in the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia has surpassed its prior execution tally for the number of executions for a second consecutive year.

No fewer than 347 people have been put to death so far this year, as reported by a London-based rights monitor that tracks such sentences.

This figure exceeds the total of 345 recorded in 2024, representing what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The most recent individuals to be executed were two citizens of Pakistan sentenced on drug-related offences.

Analysis of the Cases

Further cases this year include a media professional and two individuals who were underage at the time of their claimed offences linked to demonstrations.

A total of five were female prisoners. However, as stated by the monitoring group, the largest portion—around two-thirds—were found guilty for non-lethal drug-related offences.

Global organizations have declared that applying the ultimate sentence for such crimes is "violates international law and principles."

Over 50% of those executed were individuals from other countries, ensnared in what appears to be a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with complete impunity now," remarked a head of the campaign. "It's almost flouting the human rights system."

The advocate further described extracted statements through mistreatment as "widespread" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Individual Cases

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young fisherman from Egypt, arrested in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was coerced into trafficking narcotics.

Loved ones of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have described the "fear" they now live in.

"The sole period of the week that I rest is on those two days because there are no death sentences carried out on those days," an individual recounted.

Cellmates have according to accounts seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "led kicking and screaming to their death."

Broader Context

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has overseen major shifts in policy, loosening some limitations while simultaneously cracking down on dissent.

While the country has become more accessible in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to rights groups.

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

Reports suggest families of the deceased are typically left in the dark, denied the bodies, and not informed about where they are interred.

International Response

A United Nations expert has demanded an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual elimination.

The expert also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international protections," including representation and embassy contact for foreign nationals.

Notable instances have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their charged acts and a journalist executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"Executions against journalists is a chilling attack on free speech," said a senior UN cultural official.

In a official communication to international queries, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture."

The letter further stated that the death penalty is used exclusively for the "gravest offences" and after concluding all legal processes.