🔗 Share this article Advocacy Organizations Condemn Historic Peak in Executions in the Kingdom A recent case involved an Egyptian national on drug charges. Saudi Arabia has surpassed its own annual record for the use of capital punishment for a second consecutive year. At least 347 individuals have been put to death so far this year, per data from a UK-based rights monitor that tracks such cases. This figure tops the final count of 345 recorded in 2024, making it what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since records started." The newest people put to death involved two Pakistani nationals found guilty on charges related to narcotics. Analysis of the Cases Further cases this year comprised a reporter and two individuals who were minors at the time of their alleged acts connected to dissent. Five were women. But, according to the monitoring group, the largest portion—about two-thirds—were convicted for non-lethal substance violations. Global organizations have stated that applying the death penalty for such offences is "contrary to international law and principles." A majority of those executed were non-Saudi citizens, ensnared in what is described as a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom. "The authorities are acting with absolute immunity now," remarked a head of the rights organization. "It's almost flouting the international rights framework." The representative further described torture and forced confessions as "widespread" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "severe and random suppression." Individual Cases Among those put to death this week was a young Egyptian fisherman, arrested in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was pressured into trafficking narcotics. Family members of men on death row for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "terror" they now live in. "The sole period of the week that I find peace is on the weekend because there are no executions on those days," an individual recounted. Other prisoners have reportedly seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken resisting violently to their death." Wider Backdrop The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has led profound social changes, loosening some restrictions while simultaneously suppressing opposition. While the country has become more accessible in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to global watchdogs. "No price has been paid for proceeding with these executions," noted a researcher focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with minimal fallout." Allegations suggest families of the condemned are typically not informed in advance, denied the bodies, and not told where they are interred. Global Condemnation A UN special rapporteur has called for an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual abolition. The rapporteur also stressed the need for "full compliance with international safeguards," including representation and embassy contact for detainees from abroad. Notable instances have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their alleged crimes and a writer executed on claims of disloyalty. "Executions against journalists is a chilling attack on press freedom," declared 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 "prohibit and punish torture." The letter further stated that the capital punishment is applied solely for the "gravest offences" and after completing all court appeals.
A recent case involved an Egyptian national on drug charges. Saudi Arabia has surpassed its own annual record for the use of capital punishment for a second consecutive year. At least 347 individuals have been put to death so far this year, per data from a UK-based rights monitor that tracks such cases. This figure tops the final count of 345 recorded in 2024, making it what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since records started." The newest people put to death involved two Pakistani nationals found guilty on charges related to narcotics. Analysis of the Cases Further cases this year comprised a reporter and two individuals who were minors at the time of their alleged acts connected to dissent. Five were women. But, according to the monitoring group, the largest portion—about two-thirds—were convicted for non-lethal substance violations. Global organizations have stated that applying the death penalty for such offences is "contrary to international law and principles." A majority of those executed were non-Saudi citizens, ensnared in what is described as a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom. "The authorities are acting with absolute immunity now," remarked a head of the rights organization. "It's almost flouting the international rights framework." The representative further described torture and forced confessions as "widespread" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "severe and random suppression." Individual Cases Among those put to death this week was a young Egyptian fisherman, arrested in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was pressured into trafficking narcotics. Family members of men on death row for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "terror" they now live in. "The sole period of the week that I find peace is on the weekend because there are no executions on those days," an individual recounted. Other prisoners have reportedly seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken resisting violently to their death." Wider Backdrop The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has led profound social changes, loosening some restrictions while simultaneously suppressing opposition. While the country has become more accessible in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to global watchdogs. "No price has been paid for proceeding with these executions," noted a researcher focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with minimal fallout." Allegations suggest families of the condemned are typically not informed in advance, denied the bodies, and not told where they are interred. Global Condemnation A UN special rapporteur has called for an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual abolition. The rapporteur also stressed the need for "full compliance with international safeguards," including representation and embassy contact for detainees from abroad. Notable instances have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their alleged crimes and a writer executed on claims of disloyalty. "Executions against journalists is a chilling attack on press freedom," declared 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 "prohibit and punish torture." The letter further stated that the capital punishment is applied solely for the "gravest offences" and after completing all court appeals.