Advocacy Organizations Condemn Unprecedented High in Death Sentences in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom has exceeded its prior execution tally for the use of capital punishment for a second year running.

At least 347 individuals have been executed so far this year, per data from a London-based advocacy organization that tracks such proceedings.

This figure is higher than the total of 345 noted in 2024, marking what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The newest people put to death involved two Pakistani nationals convicted on illegal substance violations.

Analysis of the Executions

Further cases this year involved a journalist and two young men who were underage at the time of their reported protest-related crimes.

Five of those were female. However, as stated by the monitoring group, the largest portion—about two-thirds—were found guilty for non-lethal narcotics charges.

Global organizations have stated that applying the death penalty for such violations is "contrary to international human rights standards."

More than half of those subjected to capital punishment were foreign nationals, ensnared in what is described as a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"Saudi Arabia is operating with complete impunity now," said a head of the campaign. "It's almost ridiculing the human rights system."

The representative further labeled torture and forced confessions as "endemic" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Personal Accounts

Among those put to death this week was a young national of Egypt, taken into custody in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was pressured into carrying illegal substances.

Loved ones of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "terror" they now live in.

"The only time of the week that I sleep is on the weekend because there are no death sentences carried out on those days," one relative stated.

Cellmates have reportedly seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "led in protest to their death."

Broader Context

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has presided over major shifts in policy, relaxing some restrictions while simultaneously cracking down on dissent.

Although the country has become more accessible in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to global watchdogs.

"No price has been paid for going ahead with these executions," noted a expert focusing on the region. "Major events continue with no repercussions."

Reports suggest families of the condemned are often not informed in advance, not given the remains, and left unaware of the location of graves.

Calls for Action

A global human rights official has urged an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual abolition.

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

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

"The death penalty against journalists is a deeply concerning assault on press freedom," said a senior UN cultural official.

In a official communication to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture."

The communication added that the death penalty is applied solely for the "most serious crimes" and after exhausting all court appeals.