Advocacy Organizations Condemn Historic Peak in Executions in the Gulf State

Saudi Arabia has broken its previous yearly high for the carrying out of death sentences for a second consecutive year.

At least 347 individuals have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, per data from a UK-based advocacy organization that records such sentences.

This figure exceeds the final count of 345 documented in 2024, marking what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since records started."

The latest individuals to be executed included two Pakistani nationals found guilty on charges related to narcotics.

Breakdown of the Sentences

Others put to death involved a reporter and two young men who were underage at the time of their alleged offences linked to demonstrations.

A total of five were women. But, as stated by the monitoring group, the largest portion—about two-thirds—were convicted for non-lethal drug-related offences.

Global organizations have said that applying the ultimate sentence for such crimes is "contrary to international human rights standards."

Over 50% of those put to death were non-Saudi citizens, implicated in what appears to be a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"Saudi Arabia is operating with total disregard now," said a official of the campaign. "It's almost ridiculing the human rights system."

The advocate further described coerced admissions and abuse as "systemic" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Individual Cases

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young national of Egypt, arrested in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was coerced into smuggling drugs.

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

"The single occasion of the week that I find peace is on the weekend because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," a family member said.

Fellow inmates have reportedly witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged resisting violently to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has overseen major shifts in policy, relaxing some limitations while at the same time cracking down on dissent.

Even as the country has become more accessible in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "poor" according to global watchdogs.

"No price has been paid for carrying out these executions," commented a analyst focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with little backlash."

Claims suggest families of the deceased are often not informed in advance, refused custody, and not told the location of graves.

Global Condemnation

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

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international protections," including access to lawyers and diplomatic support for detainees from abroad.

Specific cases have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their charged acts and a reporter executed on claims of disloyalty.

"The death penalty against journalists is a frightening blow on press freedom," declared a international agency head.

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

The letter further stated that the death penalty is applied solely for the "gravest offences" and after concluding all judicial proceedings.