Advocacy Organizations Denounce Unprecedented High in Capital Punishment in the Kingdom

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

At least 347 individuals have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, as reported by a UK-based campaign group that records such proceedings.

This figure is higher than the final count of 345 recorded in 2024, marking what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The newest people put to death involved two individuals from Pakistan sentenced on charges related to narcotics.

Analysis of the Executions

Additional individuals executed comprised a journalist and two youths who were minors at the time of their alleged protest-related crimes.

Five were women. But, per the monitoring group, the vast bulk—around two-thirds—were sentenced for non-lethal drug-related offences.

Global organizations have stated that applying the ultimate sentence for such crimes is "incompatible with international human rights standards."

A majority of those subjected to capital punishment were non-Saudi citizens, ensnared in what appears to be a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"Saudi Arabia is operating with complete impunity now," remarked a representative of the campaign. "It's almost ridiculing the global justice mechanism."

The advocate further described extracted statements through mistreatment as "systemic" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Human Stories

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young national of Egypt, arrested in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was coerced into smuggling drugs.

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

"The only time of the week that I sleep is on those two days because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," an individual recounted.

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

Broader Context

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has overseen major shifts in policy, relaxing some rules while concurrently cracking down on dissent.

While the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to international observers.

"There's been no cost for carrying out these executions," said a expert focusing on the region. "Major events continue with no repercussions."

Allegations suggest families of the deceased are usually given no prior notice, not given the remains, and left unaware of where they are interred.

Calls for Action

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

The official also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international protections," including legal assistance and consular access for detainees from abroad.

Particular executions have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their alleged crimes and a reporter executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"The death penalty against members of the press is a chilling attack on freedom of expression," stated a senior UN cultural official.

In a written response to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture."

The letter further stated that the ultimate sentence is imposed only for the "heinous violations" and after completing all court appeals.