Advocacy Organizations Condemn New Record in Death Sentences in Saudi Arabia

The nation has broken its previous yearly high for the number of executions for a second straight year.

At least 347 persons have been executed so far this year, per data from a British rights monitor that records such sentences.

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

The latest cases carried out included two Pakistani nationals found guilty on charges related to narcotics.

Analysis of the Cases

Further cases this year include a journalist and two youths who were underage at the time of their reported protest-related crimes.

A total of five were female. Yet, per the monitoring group, the largest portion—about two-thirds—were found guilty for non-lethal narcotics charges.

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

A majority of those executed were foreign nationals, implicated in what appears to be a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"Saudi Arabia is operating with total disregard now," stated a representative of the rights organization. "It's almost flouting the international rights framework."

The representative further characterized coerced admissions and abuse as "widespread" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign."

Personal Accounts

Among those executed recently was a young Egyptian fisherman, arrested in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was pressured into smuggling drugs.

Family members of men on death row for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "dread" they now live in.

"The sole period of the week that I rest is on Friday and Saturday because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," an individual recounted.

Cellmates have allegedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "led kicking and screaming to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has presided over significant societal reforms, easing some limitations while concurrently cracking down on dissent.

Even as 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's been no cost for proceeding with these executions," said a researcher focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with minimal fallout."

Allegations suggest families of the deceased are usually left in the dark, refused custody, and not told burial sites.

Global Condemnation

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

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

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 reporter executed on national security allegations.

"The death penalty against journalists is a frightening blow on free speech," declared a senior UN cultural official.

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

The response added that the capital punishment is applied solely for the "heinous violations" and after completing all legal processes.