Human Rights Organizations Condemn New Record in Death Sentences in Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom has broken its previous yearly high for the use of capital punishment for a second straight year.
At least 347 people have been put to death so far this year, per data from a British campaign group that tracks such proceedings.
This figure exceeds the total of 345 recorded in 2024, making it what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."
The newest cases carried out involved two citizens of Pakistan convicted on drug-related offences.
Breakdown of the Sentences
Further cases this year include a media professional and two youths who were underage at the time of their alleged offences linked to demonstrations.
A total of five were female prisoners. Yet, per the monitoring group, the majority—about two-thirds—were sentenced for non-violent narcotics charges.
Global organizations have declared that applying the death penalty for such crimes is "incompatible with international law and principles."
More than half of those put to death were individuals from other countries, ensnared in what is described as a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.
"The authorities are acting with absolute immunity now," remarked a head of the rights organization. "It's almost ridiculing the human rights system."
The representative further described coerced admissions and abuse as "endemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "severe and random suppression."
Personal Accounts
Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young fisherman from Egypt, arrested in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was forced into smuggling drugs.
Family members of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "fear" they now live in.
"The single occasion of the week that I sleep is on Friday and Saturday because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," an individual recounted.
Fellow inmates have reportedly witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged resisting violently to their death."
Broader Context
The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has presided over significant societal reforms, relaxing some restrictions while concurrently cracking down on dissent.
Although the country has opened up in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to global watchdogs.
"There have been no consequences for proceeding with these executions," commented a analyst focusing on the region. "Major events continue with little backlash."
Reports suggest families of the deceased are often given no prior notice, denied the bodies, and not told where they are interred.
Calls for Action
A UN special rapporteur has urged an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual abolition.
The rapporteur also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international safeguards," including access to lawyers and diplomatic support for non-citizens.
Notable instances have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their alleged crimes and a reporter executed on national security allegations.
"Capital punishment against members of the press is a frightening blow on freedom of expression," stated a senior UN cultural official.
In a written response to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture."
The letter added that the ultimate sentence is used exclusively for the "heinous violations" and after completing all judicial proceedings.