Human Rights Organizations Decry Historic Peak in Capital Punishment in the Kingdom

The nation has broken its previous yearly high 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 London-based advocacy organization that tracks such cases.

This figure tops the final count of 345 recorded in 2024, representing what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The newest cases carried out included two citizens of Pakistan convicted on charges related to narcotics.

Breakdown of the Cases

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

Five were female prisoners. However, per the monitoring group, the largest portion—approximately two-thirds—were convicted for not involving murder substance violations.

International bodies have stated that applying the ultimate sentence for such offences is "incompatible with international human rights standards."

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

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

The representative further described coerced admissions and abuse as "endemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Human Stories

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young national of Egypt, detained in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was forced into smuggling drugs.

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

"The single occasion of the week that I sleep is on Friday and Saturday 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 "dragged resisting violently to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has led major shifts in policy, relaxing some restrictions while at the same time cracking down on dissent.

Although the country has become more accessible 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 carrying out these executions," noted a expert focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with little backlash."

Claims suggest families of the executed are typically given no prior notice, refused custody, and left unaware of the location of graves.

Global Condemnation

A UN special rapporteur has demanded an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual an end to the practice.

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international standards," including access to lawyers and embassy contact for detainees from abroad.

Particular executions have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their alleged crimes and a journalist executed on claims of disloyalty.

"Executions against members of the press is a frightening blow on freedom of expression," stated a international agency head.

In a written response to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture."

The letter continued that the death penalty is used exclusively for the "most serious crimes" and after exhausting all court appeals.