Rights Groups Decry Historic Peak in Death Sentences in the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia has surpassed its own annual record for the number of executions for a second straight year.

No fewer than 347 persons have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, according to a London-based advocacy organization that tracks such proceedings.

This figure tops the final count of 345 recorded in 2024, representing what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since records started."

The most recent individuals to be executed involved two citizens of Pakistan convicted on drug-related offences.

Analysis of the Executions

Others put to death comprised a reporter and two young men who were children at the time of their claimed protest-related crimes.

Five were women. Yet, as stated by the monitoring group, the largest portion—around two-thirds—were found guilty for non-lethal drug-related offences.

Global organizations have stated that applying the capital punishment for such violations is "violates international law and principles."

More than half of those executed were individuals from other countries, implicated in what is described as a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"The kingdom is functioning with absolute immunity now," said a official of the campaign. "It's almost flouting the international rights framework."

The advocate further described coerced admissions and abuse as "systemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Individual Cases

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

Family members of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "fear" they now live in.

"The only time of the week that I rest is on the weekend because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," one relative stated.

Cellmates have according to accounts seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged kicking and screaming to their death."

Broader Context

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has led major shifts in policy, relaxing some rules while at the same time suppressing opposition.

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

"There have been no consequences for going ahead with these executions," said a researcher focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with no repercussions."

Allegations suggest families of the deceased are typically given no prior notice, refused custody, and not told burial sites.

Calls for Action

A United Nations expert has urged an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual an end to the practice.

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

Specific cases have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their reported offences and a writer executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"Capital punishment against media workers is a deeply concerning assault on freedom of expression," said a leading UNESCO figure.

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

The communication further stated that the death penalty is applied solely for the "heinous violations" and after concluding all court appeals.