Rights Groups Denounce Historic Peak in Executions in the Kingdom

The nation has exceeded its prior execution tally for the number of executions for a second consecutive year.

A minimum of 347 individuals have been executed so far this year, as reported by a British advocacy organization that records such sentences.

This figure is higher than the number of 345 documented in 2024, making it what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since records started."

The latest cases carried out involved two citizens of Pakistan sentenced on drug-related offences.

Analysis of the Sentences

Others put to death include a media professional and two individuals who were underage at the time of their claimed acts connected to dissent.

Five were women. Yet, according to the monitoring group, the largest portion—approximately two-thirds—were convicted for non-violent substance violations.

International bodies have stated that applying the death penalty for such violations is "violates international human rights standards."

A majority of those put to death were non-Saudi citizens, caught up in what appears to be a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

"The kingdom is functioning with total disregard now," said a representative of the rights organization. "It's almost flouting the international rights framework."

The advocate further described torture and forced confessions as "widespread" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Human Stories

Among those put to death this week was a young fisherman from Egypt, detained in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was coerced into smuggling drugs.

Loved ones of men on facing capital sentences 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 no death sentences carried out on those days," one relative stated.

Fellow inmates have reportedly seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged kicking and screaming to their death."

Political Climate

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has led profound social changes, relaxing some restrictions while at the same time silencing criticism.

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

"There's been no cost for going ahead with these executions," commented a researcher focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with minimal fallout."

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

Calls for Action

A United Nations expert has urged an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual elimination.

The official also stressed the need for "full compliance with international protections," including legal assistance and embassy contact for non-citizens.

Particular executions have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their charged acts and a writer executed on national security allegations.

"Capital punishment against media workers is a chilling attack on press freedom," said a senior UN cultural official.

In a written response to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture."

The communication added that the death penalty is applied solely for the "heinous violations" and after exhausting all legal processes.