Rights Groups Decry New Record in Death Sentences in the Kingdom
Saudi Arabia has exceeded its prior execution tally for the use of capital punishment for a second consecutive year.
At least 347 individuals have been put to death so far this year, according to a London-based rights monitor that records such sentences.
This figure tops the final count of 345 recorded 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 involved two citizens of Pakistan convicted on drug-related offences.
Analysis of the Executions
Additional individuals executed involved a media professional and two young men who were underage at the time of their claimed protest-related crimes.
Five were female prisoners. But, per the monitoring group, the largest portion—about two-thirds—were convicted for non-lethal narcotics charges.
The United Nations have said that applying the death penalty for such violations is "violates international human rights standards."
Over 50% of those subjected to capital punishment were individuals from other countries, ensnared in what is described as a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.
"Saudi Arabia is operating with total disregard now," said a representative of the monitoring group. "It's almost flouting the human rights system."
The official further characterized coerced admissions and abuse as "widespread" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign."
Individual Cases
Among those executed recently was a young Egyptian fisherman, detained in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was coerced into trafficking narcotics.
Family members of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have given accounts privately the "fear" they now live in.
"The single occasion of the week that I sleep is on Friday and Saturday because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," one relative stated.
Fellow inmates have reportedly witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged resisting violently to their death."
Wider Backdrop
The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has led significant societal reforms, loosening some rules while concurrently suppressing opposition.
Even as the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to global watchdogs.
"There's been no cost for carrying out these executions," said a researcher focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with no repercussions."
Claims suggest families of the condemned are often given no prior notice, refused custody, and not informed about the location of graves.
Calls for Action
A UN special rapporteur has urged an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual abolition.
The rapporteur also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international standards," including legal assistance and consular access for foreign nationals.
Particular executions have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their reported offences and a reporter executed on claims of disloyalty.
"The death penalty against journalists is a deeply concerning assault on press freedom," declared a international agency head.
In a official communication to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture."
The letter continued that the death penalty is used exclusively for the "most serious crimes" and after completing all court appeals.
