Advocacy Organizations Denounce Historic Peak in Death Sentences in Saudi Arabia

The nation has surpassed its prior execution tally for the number of executions for a second straight year.

At least 347 persons have been put to death so far this year, according to a UK-based campaign group that monitors such proceedings.

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

The most recent cases carried out involved two individuals from Pakistan sentenced on illegal substance violations.

Breakdown of the Executions

Others put to death involved a media professional and two young men who were minors at the time of their claimed offences linked to demonstrations.

A total of five were female prisoners. However, per the monitoring group, the largest portion—about two-thirds—were convicted for not involving murder drug-related offences.

The United Nations have stated that applying the death penalty for such crimes is "violates international human rights standards."

More than half of those subjected to capital punishment were foreign nationals, caught up in what has been labeled a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"Saudi Arabia is operating with absolute immunity now," said a official of the rights organization. "It's almost flouting the human rights system."

The official further labeled extracted statements through mistreatment as "endemic" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Personal Accounts

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young fisherman from Egypt, arrested in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was pressured into carrying illegal substances.

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

"The only time of the week that I rest is on the weekend because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," an individual recounted.

Other prisoners have according to accounts witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "led kicking and screaming to their death."

Broader Context

The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has presided over major shifts in policy, loosening some restrictions while at the same time suppressing opposition.

Although the country has opened up in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "poor" according to rights groups.

"There have been no consequences for going ahead with these executions," said a expert focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with little backlash."

Claims suggest families of the condemned are often not informed in advance, refused custody, and not informed about where they are interred.

Calls for Action

A United Nations expert has urged an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual abolition.

The expert also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international safeguards," including representation and embassy contact for foreign nationals.

Particular executions have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their charged acts and a reporter executed on national security allegations.

"Capital punishment against journalists is a deeply concerning assault on free speech," said a international agency head.

In a written response to international queries, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture."

The response added that the capital punishment is used exclusively for the "heinous violations" and after concluding all legal processes.