Advocacy Organizations Decry New Record in Capital Punishment in Saudi Arabia

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

At least 347 individuals have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, according to a London-based campaign group that tracks such cases.

This figure tops the total of 345 noted in 2024, making it what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

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

Details on the Executions

Further cases this year include a journalist and two youths who were underage at the time of their reported offences linked to demonstrations.

Five were female prisoners. But, according to the monitoring group, the largest portion—approximately two-thirds—were sentenced for non-violent narcotics charges.

Global organizations have declared that applying the ultimate sentence for such crimes is "incompatible with international law and principles."

A majority of those subjected to capital punishment were non-Saudi citizens, caught up in what is described as a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with absolute immunity now," said a representative of the monitoring group. "It's almost flouting the global justice mechanism."

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

Human Stories

Among those executed recently was a young Egyptian fisherman, detained in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was coerced into trafficking narcotics.

Loved ones 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 find peace is on the weekend because there are no executions on those days," a family member said.

Fellow inmates have reportedly witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "led in protest to their death."

Broader Context

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has presided over significant societal reforms, relaxing some restrictions while at the same time cracking down on dissent.

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

"No price has been paid for going ahead with these executions," said a analyst focusing on the region. "Major events continue with little backlash."

Claims suggest families of the executed are usually given no prior notice, not given the remains, and not informed about where they are interred.

Global Condemnation

A global human rights official has urged an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual an end to the practice.

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international safeguards," including access to lawyers and diplomatic support for detainees from abroad.

Particular executions have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their charged acts and a reporter executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"The death penalty against journalists is a frightening blow on free speech," stated a international agency head.

In a written response to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture."

The response added that the ultimate sentence is applied solely for the "heinous violations" and after completing all court appeals.