Human Rights Organizations Decry Unprecedented High in Capital Punishment in the Gulf State

The Kingdom has surpassed its own annual record for the number of executions for a second consecutive year.

A minimum of 347 persons have been put to death so far this year, per data from a London-based campaign group that records such cases.

This figure exceeds the number of 345 documented in 2024, making it what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since records started."

The newest people put to death involved two individuals from Pakistan sentenced on drug-related offences.

Analysis of the Executions

Further cases this year comprised a media professional and two young men who were minors at the time of their reported protest-related crimes.

A total of five were women. But, according to the monitoring group, the vast bulk—approximately two-thirds—were found guilty for non-violent substance violations.

International bodies have stated that applying the ultimate sentence for such crimes is "contrary to international norms and standards."

A majority of those put to death were individuals from other countries, caught up in what has been labeled a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

"Saudi Arabia is operating with complete impunity now," remarked a representative of the campaign. "It's almost flouting the international rights framework."

The advocate further characterized extracted statements through mistreatment as "endemic" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Human Stories

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young national of Egypt, arrested in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was coerced into trafficking narcotics.

Family members of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have described the "terror" they now live in.

"The only time of the week that I sleep is on Friday and Saturday because there are no death sentences carried out on those days," a family member said.

Other prisoners have allegedly seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged resisting violently to their death."

Broader Context

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has presided over profound social changes, easing some limitations while at the same time cracking down on dissent.

Even as the country has opened up in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to rights groups.

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

Reports suggest families of the deceased are often given no prior notice, not given the remains, and not told burial sites.

Calls for Action

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

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international protections," including legal assistance and embassy contact for detainees from abroad.

Specific cases have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their alleged crimes and a reporter executed on national security allegations.

"Capital punishment against journalists is a chilling attack on freedom of expression," stated a leading UNESCO figure.

In a official communication to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture."

The communication further stated that the capital punishment is used exclusively for the "heinous violations" and after exhausting all court appeals.