Advocacy Organizations Denounce Unprecedented High in Executions in the Gulf State
The Kingdom has exceeded its prior execution tally for the use of capital punishment for a second straight year.
A minimum of 347 people have been put to death so far this year, according to a UK-based advocacy organization that monitors such sentences.
This figure is higher than the number of 345 documented in 2024, representing what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated."
The most recent people put to death involved two individuals from Pakistan convicted on drug-related offences.
Breakdown of the Sentences
Additional individuals executed involved a media professional and two individuals who were underage at the time of their alleged offences linked to demonstrations.
A total of five were female prisoners. But, per the monitoring group, the largest portion—about two-thirds—were sentenced for non-violent narcotics charges.
Global organizations have said that applying the death penalty for such violations is "incompatible with international human rights standards."
Over 50% of those executed were individuals from other countries, implicated in what has been labeled a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.
"Saudi Arabia is operating with absolute immunity now," remarked a official of the monitoring group. "It's almost ridiculing the international rights framework."
The representative further described torture and forced confessions as "widespread" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign."
Human Stories
Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young Egyptian fisherman, detained in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was pressured into smuggling drugs.
Loved ones of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have described the "dread" they now live in.
"The sole period of the week that I find peace is on Friday and Saturday because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," one relative stated.
Other prisoners have reportedly witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken in protest to their death."
Political Climate
The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has presided over major shifts in policy, easing some rules while simultaneously cracking down on dissent.
While the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to international observers.
"There have been no consequences for proceeding with these executions," commented a researcher focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with no repercussions."
Reports suggest families of the executed are typically not informed in advance, denied the bodies, and left unaware of burial sites.
International Response
A global human rights official has demanded an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual abolition.
The expert also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international safeguards," including representation and consular access for non-citizens.
Specific cases have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their alleged crimes and a writer executed on national security allegations.
"Executions against media workers is a frightening blow on press freedom," said a senior UN cultural official.
In a formal letter to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture."
The response further stated that the capital punishment is used exclusively for the "gravest offences" and after concluding all judicial proceedings.