Advocacy Organizations Decry Historic Peak in Capital Punishment in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom has exceeded its previous yearly high for the carrying out of death sentences for a second straight year.

No fewer than 347 individuals have been executed so far this year, as reported by a UK-based advocacy organization that monitors such cases.

This figure tops the final count of 345 noted in 2024, making it what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The most recent cases carried out included two Pakistani nationals convicted on illegal substance violations.

Details on the Cases

Additional individuals executed involved a reporter and two young men who were children at the time of their reported offences linked to demonstrations.

A total of five were female prisoners. Yet, according to the monitoring group, the vast bulk—about two-thirds—were found guilty for non-violent narcotics charges.

The United Nations have said that applying the death penalty for such offences is "violates international norms and standards."

More than half of those executed were non-Saudi citizens, ensnared in what appears to be a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

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

The official further described coerced admissions and abuse as "endemic" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Personal Accounts

Among those executed recently was a young fisherman from Egypt, taken into custody in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was coerced into smuggling drugs.

Relatives of men on death row for drug charges have described the "terror" 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," a family member said.

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

Broader Context

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has presided over major shifts in policy, relaxing some restrictions while concurrently suppressing opposition.

While the country has opened up in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "poor" according to rights groups.

"There's been no cost for carrying out these executions," noted a researcher focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with little backlash."

Reports suggest families of the deceased are usually left in the dark, not given the remains, and not informed about burial sites.

Global Condemnation

A United Nations expert has called for an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual abolition.

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "full compliance with international standards," including legal assistance and diplomatic support for foreign nationals.

Particular executions 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 claims of disloyalty.

"The death penalty against media workers is a frightening blow on free speech," said a senior UN cultural official.

In a written response to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture."

The letter continued that the death penalty is used exclusively for the "heinous violations" and after exhausting all legal processes.