Human Rights Organizations Condemn New Record in Capital Punishment in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom has broken its prior execution tally for the carrying out of death sentences for a second straight year.

At least 347 people have been put to death so far this year, per data from a UK-based rights monitor that monitors such cases.

This figure exceeds the number of 345 noted in 2024, representing what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated."

The newest people put to death involved two individuals from Pakistan found guilty on drug-related offences.

Details on the Executions

Further cases this year comprised a media professional and two young men who were underage at the time of their alleged protest-related crimes.

Five of those were women. Yet, per the monitoring group, the majority—around two-thirds—were sentenced for non-lethal narcotics charges.

The United Nations have said that applying the death penalty for such violations is "violates international human rights standards."

More than half of those executed were individuals from other countries, caught up in what is described as a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with absolute immunity now," remarked a official of the campaign. "It's almost flouting the human rights system."

The advocate further described extracted statements through mistreatment as "systemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Individual Cases

Among those put to death this week was a young national of Egypt, detained in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was coerced into trafficking narcotics.

Loved ones of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have given accounts privately the "fear" they now live in.

"The single occasion of the week that I rest is on Friday and Saturday because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," a family member said.

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

Political Climate

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has led major shifts in policy, relaxing some limitations while simultaneously silencing criticism.

Even as the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to rights groups.

"There's been no cost for proceeding with these executions," noted a researcher focusing on the region. "Major events continue with minimal fallout."

Reports suggest families of the condemned are usually not informed in advance, refused custody, and not told where they are interred.

Global Condemnation

A global human rights official has called for an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual an end to the practice.

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international protections," including legal assistance and consular access for non-citizens.

Specific cases have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their alleged crimes and a reporter executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"Capital punishment against media workers is a deeply concerning assault on freedom of expression," said a international agency head.

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

The communication continued that the capital punishment is imposed only for the "heinous violations" and after exhausting all legal processes.