Human Rights Organizations Denounce New Record in Capital Punishment in the Kingdom

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

No fewer than 347 individuals have been executed so far this year, per data from a London-based rights monitor that monitors such sentences.

This figure exceeds the final count of 345 recorded in 2024, marking what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated."

The most recent cases carried out involved two Pakistani nationals found guilty on illegal substance violations.

Breakdown of the Cases

Others put to death include a media professional and two individuals who were minors at the time of their claimed protest-related crimes.

Five of those were female. But, according to the monitoring group, the majority—approximately two-thirds—were convicted for not involving murder substance violations.

Global organizations have said 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, caught up in what is described as a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"Saudi Arabia is operating with absolute immunity now," remarked a representative of the rights organization. "It's almost ridiculing the international rights framework."

The advocate further characterized coerced admissions and abuse as "systemic" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign."

Individual Cases

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young national of Egypt, taken into custody in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was forced into carrying illegal substances.

Family members of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have described the "dread" they now live in.

"The only time 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 reportedly witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged resisting violently to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has presided over significant societal reforms, loosening some restrictions while concurrently silencing criticism.

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

"No price has been paid for carrying out these executions," commented a expert focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with minimal fallout."

Allegations suggest families of the condemned are usually given no prior notice, denied the bodies, and not told where they are interred.

International Response

A United Nations expert has demanded an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual elimination.

The official also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international protections," including access to lawyers and diplomatic support for foreign nationals.

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

"Executions against members of the press is a chilling attack on press freedom," stated a leading UNESCO figure.

In a written response to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture."

The response further stated that the ultimate sentence is applied solely for the "gravest offences" and after exhausting all court appeals.