Advocacy Organizations Denounce Historic Peak in Capital Punishment in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has broken its own annual record for the carrying out of death sentences for a second year running.

A minimum of 347 people have been put to death so far this year, according to a London-based campaign group that records such cases.

This figure exceeds the total of 345 recorded in 2024, making it what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The most recent people put to death were two Pakistani nationals convicted on charges related to narcotics.

Analysis of the Cases

Further cases this year comprised a reporter and two individuals who were children at the time of their claimed acts connected to dissent.

Five of those were female. Yet, per the monitoring group, the majority—around two-thirds—were sentenced for not involving murder substance violations.

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

A majority of those executed were individuals from other countries, implicated in what has been labeled a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with absolute immunity now," said a head of the rights organization. "It's almost ridiculing the international rights framework."

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

Individual Cases

Among those executed recently was a young Egyptian fisherman, taken into custody in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was forced into carrying illegal substances.

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

"The only time of the week that I rest is on those two days because there are no death sentences carried out on those days," one relative stated.

Cellmates have reportedly witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken kicking and screaming to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has presided over major shifts in policy, relaxing some restrictions while simultaneously silencing criticism.

While the country has become more accessible in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to international observers.

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

Claims suggest families of the condemned are often left in the dark, denied the bodies, and not told burial sites.

Calls for Action

A UN special rapporteur has called for an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual abolition.

The expert also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international standards," including legal assistance and embassy contact for detainees from abroad.

Notable instances have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their charged acts and a writer executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"Capital punishment against members of the press is a deeply concerning assault on free speech," stated a international agency head.

In a formal letter to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture."

The communication added that the death penalty is imposed only for the "gravest offences" and after exhausting all judicial proceedings.