Advocacy Organizations Denounce New Record in Capital Punishment in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom has surpassed its own annual record for the carrying out of death sentences for a second year running.

At least 347 persons have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, per data from a UK-based campaign group that tracks such proceedings.

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

The latest people put to death involved two individuals from Pakistan convicted on drug-related offences.

Analysis of the Executions

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

Five were female prisoners. Yet, as stated by the monitoring group, the vast bulk—about two-thirds—were convicted for non-lethal narcotics charges.

The United Nations have declared that applying the capital punishment for such violations is "incompatible with international human rights standards."

A majority of those put to death were foreign nationals, caught up in what has been labeled a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The kingdom is functioning with complete impunity now," remarked a head of the campaign. "It's almost making a mockery of the human rights system."

The official further labeled torture and forced confessions as "systemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign."

Personal Accounts

Among those put to death this week was a young Egyptian fisherman, arrested in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was forced into carrying illegal substances.

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

"The sole period of the week that I rest is on the weekend because there are no executions on those days," a family member said.

Other prisoners have reportedly witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken in protest to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has overseen profound social changes, loosening some limitations while at the same time cracking down on dissent.

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

"No price has been paid for proceeding with these executions," commented a expert focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with little backlash."

Allegations suggest families of the executed are usually not informed in advance, not given the remains, and not informed about the location of graves.

International Response

A United Nations expert has urged an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual an end to the practice.

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international standards," including legal assistance and consular access for detainees from abroad.

Notable instances 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.

"Executions against journalists is a chilling attack on freedom of expression," declared a senior UN cultural official.

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

The letter added that the ultimate sentence is used exclusively for the "most serious crimes" and after completing all legal processes.