Advocacy Organizations Condemn Historic Peak in Capital Punishment in the Kingdom

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

At least 347 persons have been executed so far this year, as reported by a UK-based advocacy organization that records such proceedings.

This figure is higher than the final count of 345 recorded in 2024, making it what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated."

The most recent cases carried out were two Pakistani nationals found guilty on charges related to narcotics.

Details on the Cases

Further cases this year include a reporter and two young men who were children at the time of their alleged offences linked to demonstrations.

Five of those were female prisoners. However, as stated by the monitoring group, the majority—around two-thirds—were found guilty for non-lethal drug-related offences.

International bodies have said that applying the death penalty for such offences is "incompatible with international law and principles."

A majority of those put to death were foreign nationals, implicated in what is described as a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

"Saudi Arabia is operating with total disregard now," said a head of the rights organization. "It's almost ridiculing the global justice mechanism."

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

Personal Accounts

Among those put to death this week was a young Egyptian fisherman, arrested in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was forced into trafficking narcotics.

Relatives of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have given accounts privately the "dread" they now live in.

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

Fellow inmates have according to accounts seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "led resisting violently to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has presided over profound social changes, easing some limitations while at the same time silencing criticism.

Although the country has become more accessible in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "poor" according to international observers.

"There have been no consequences for proceeding with these executions," noted a expert focusing on the region. "Major events continue with little backlash."

Reports suggest families of the condemned are often left in the dark, refused custody, and not told where they are interred.

Calls for Action

A UN special rapporteur has urged an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual elimination.

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international safeguards," including representation and diplomatic support for foreign nationals.

Particular executions have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their alleged crimes and a reporter executed on national security allegations.

"Executions against media workers is a deeply concerning assault on free speech," stated a leading UNESCO figure.

In a official communication to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture."

The response added that the ultimate sentence is used exclusively for the "heinous violations" and after concluding all court appeals.