Advocacy Organizations Denounce New Record in Executions in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom has surpassed its prior execution tally for the carrying out of death sentences for a second straight year.

A minimum of 347 individuals have been put to death so far this year, per data from a British advocacy organization that monitors such sentences.

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

The most recent individuals to be executed were two individuals from Pakistan found guilty on drug-related offences.

Details on the Sentences

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

Five were women. Yet, as stated by the monitoring group, the largest portion—around two-thirds—were sentenced for non-lethal narcotics charges.

Global organizations have declared that applying the capital punishment for such offences is "contrary to international law and principles."

More than half of those executed were individuals from other countries, ensnared in what has been labeled a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The kingdom is functioning with complete impunity now," said a representative of the rights organization. "It's almost making a mockery of the global justice mechanism."

The advocate further described extracted statements through mistreatment as "endemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign."

Individual Cases

Among those put to death this week was a young national of Egypt, detained in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was forced into carrying illegal substances.

Family members of men on death row for drug charges have described the "terror" they now live in.

"The sole period of the week that I sleep is on the weekend because there are no executions on those days," one relative stated.

Other prisoners have allegedly 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 presided over major shifts in policy, relaxing some rules while at the same time suppressing opposition.

Even as the country has opened up in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to rights groups.

"There have been no consequences for proceeding with these executions," said a analyst focusing on the region. "Major events continue with minimal fallout."

Allegations suggest families of the executed are often left in the dark, denied the bodies, and not told the location of graves.

International Response

A United Nations expert has called for an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual elimination.

The official also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international safeguards," including access to lawyers and embassy contact for non-citizens.

Specific cases have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their alleged crimes and a reporter executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"Capital punishment against journalists is a deeply concerning assault on free speech," declared a leading UNESCO figure.

In a official communication to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture."

The response added that the ultimate sentence is imposed only for the "gravest offences" and after completing all court appeals.