Advocacy Organizations Decry New Record in Executions in the Kingdom

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

No fewer than 347 people have been executed so far this year, per data from a British rights monitor that tracks such cases.

This figure is higher than the final count of 345 noted in 2024, representing what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The latest people put to death included two citizens of Pakistan convicted on charges related to narcotics.

Breakdown of the Cases

Additional individuals executed involved a media professional and two young men who were children at the time of their claimed acts connected to dissent.

Five were female prisoners. However, according to the monitoring group, the largest portion—approximately two-thirds—were sentenced for non-lethal substance violations.

The United Nations have stated that applying the death penalty for such offences is "incompatible with international human rights standards."

A majority of those subjected to capital punishment were foreign nationals, implicated in what is described as a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with absolute immunity now," stated a representative of the rights organization. "It's almost flouting the human rights system."

The official further described extracted statements through mistreatment as "endemic" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign."

Individual Cases

Among those executed recently was a young fisherman from Egypt, detained in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was pressured into carrying illegal substances.

Relatives of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have given accounts privately the "terror" they now live in.

"The single occasion of the week that I find peace is on Friday and Saturday because there are no death sentences carried out on those days," one relative stated.

Cellmates have allegedly witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken in protest to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has led profound social changes, easing some restrictions while at the same time suppressing opposition.

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

"There's been no cost for going ahead with these executions," commented a expert focusing on the region. "Major events continue with minimal fallout."

Claims suggest families of the executed are typically not informed in advance, denied the bodies, and not told where they are interred.

International Response

A UN special rapporteur has urged an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual abolition.

The official also stressed the need for "full compliance with international standards," including access to lawyers and embassy contact for detainees from abroad.

Notable instances have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their alleged crimes and a journalist executed on national security allegations.

"Executions against media workers is a deeply concerning assault on free speech," stated a senior UN cultural official.

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

The response further stated that the capital punishment is applied solely for the "heinous violations" and after completing all court appeals.