Human Rights Organizations Decry Unprecedented High in Capital Punishment in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom has surpassed its own annual record for the carrying out of death sentences for a second consecutive year.

A minimum of 347 persons have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, per data from a British campaign group that records such cases.

This figure exceeds the final count of 345 documented in 2024, making it what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since records started."

The newest individuals to be executed involved two individuals from Pakistan found guilty on illegal substance violations.

Breakdown of the Sentences

Additional individuals executed involved a reporter and two youths who were minors at the time of their alleged offences linked to demonstrations.

A total of five were female prisoners. But, as stated by the monitoring group, the largest portion—about two-thirds—were found guilty for non-lethal substance violations.

International bodies have declared that applying the capital punishment for such offences is "violates international law and principles."

Over 50% of those put to death were non-Saudi citizens, ensnared in what is described as a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with complete impunity now," said a official of the rights organization. "It's almost making a mockery of the international rights framework."

The official further described coerced admissions and abuse as "endemic" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign."

Human Stories

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young Egyptian fisherman, detained in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was coerced into smuggling drugs.

Relatives of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have described the "dread" they now live in.

"The sole period of the week that I find peace is on Friday and Saturday because there are no death sentences carried out on those days," an individual recounted.

Other prisoners have according to accounts seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged in protest to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has led profound social changes, easing some rules while at the same time suppressing opposition.

Although the country has become more accessible in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to rights groups.

"No price has been paid for carrying out these executions," commented a expert focusing on the region. "Major events continue with minimal fallout."

Reports suggest families of the executed are typically given no prior notice, refused custody, and not informed about the location of graves.

Global Condemnation

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

The expert also stressed the need for "full compliance with international safeguards," including representation and consular access for non-citizens.

Notable instances have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their charged acts and a journalist executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"Executions against members of the press is a deeply concerning assault on freedom of expression," declared a senior UN cultural official.

In a formal letter to international queries, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture."

The communication continued that the ultimate sentence is used exclusively for the "heinous violations" and after exhausting all judicial proceedings.