Human Rights Organizations Condemn Historic Peak in Death Sentences in Saudi Arabia

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

No fewer than 347 individuals have been put to death so far this year, according to a British rights monitor that records such cases.

This figure exceeds the total of 345 recorded in 2024, making it what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated."

The most recent cases carried out included two individuals from Pakistan convicted on drug-related offences.

Analysis of the Cases

Additional individuals executed include a journalist and two young men who were underage at the time of their reported protest-related crimes.

A total of five were women. But, according to the monitoring group, the majority—approximately two-thirds—were found guilty for non-violent narcotics charges.

International bodies have stated that applying the death penalty for such crimes is "violates international norms and standards."

A majority of those subjected to capital punishment were individuals from other countries, implicated in what appears to be a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

"The kingdom is functioning with total disregard now," said a representative of the monitoring group. "It's almost ridiculing the global justice mechanism."

The advocate further labeled torture and forced confessions as "widespread" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign."

Individual Cases

Among those put to death this week was a young fisherman from Egypt, detained in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was pressured into smuggling drugs.

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

"The only time of the week that I sleep is on those two days because there are no executions on those days," one relative stated.

Fellow inmates have according to accounts seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken kicking and screaming to their death."

Political Climate

The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has led profound social changes, relaxing some restrictions while at the same time silencing criticism.

While the country has become more accessible 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 carrying out these executions," commented a analyst focusing on the region. "Major events continue with minimal fallout."

Reports suggest families of the deceased are often given no prior notice, refused custody, and not told where they are interred.

Global Condemnation

A global human rights official has called for an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual an end to the practice.

The expert also stressed the need for "full compliance with international standards," including access to lawyers and diplomatic support for foreign nationals.

Specific cases have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their charged acts and a writer executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"Executions against media workers is a deeply concerning assault on free speech," declared a leading UNESCO figure.

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

The communication added that the ultimate sentence is applied solely for the "heinous violations" and after completing all judicial proceedings.