Rights Groups Condemn New Record in Executions in the Gulf State

Saudi Arabia has exceeded its previous yearly high for the use of capital punishment for a second year running.

No fewer than 347 people have been executed so far this year, per data from a UK-based advocacy organization that tracks such proceedings.

This figure is higher than the total of 345 documented 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 individuals from Pakistan found guilty on charges related to narcotics.

Analysis of the Cases

Others put to death comprised a journalist and two individuals who were minors at the time of their alleged protest-related crimes.

Five were female prisoners. Yet, according to the monitoring group, the majority—about two-thirds—were sentenced for not involving murder substance violations.

Global organizations have declared that applying the death penalty for such offences is "incompatible with international norms and standards."

Over 50% of those put to death were foreign nationals, ensnared in what is described as a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

"Saudi Arabia is operating with complete impunity now," remarked a head of the monitoring group. "It's almost ridiculing the international rights framework."

The advocate further described torture and forced confessions as "endemic" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign."

Personal Accounts

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young fisherman from Egypt, detained in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was coerced into carrying illegal substances.

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

"The only time of the week that I rest is on the weekend because there are no executions on those days," one relative stated.

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

Wider Backdrop

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has overseen significant societal reforms, relaxing some rules while at the same time suppressing opposition.

Even as the country has become more accessible in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "poor" according to global watchdogs.

"There have been no consequences for proceeding with these executions," commented a expert focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with minimal fallout."

Reports suggest families of the executed are often not informed in advance, refused custody, and left unaware of the location of graves.

International Response

A UN special rapporteur has demanded an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual elimination.

The expert also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international standards," including legal assistance and embassy contact for detainees from abroad.

Notable instances have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their reported offences and a journalist executed on claims of disloyalty.

"Capital punishment against journalists is a chilling attack on freedom of expression," declared a international agency head.

In a official communication to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture."

The response continued that the ultimate sentence is imposed only for the "most serious crimes" and after exhausting all court appeals.