Rights Groups Condemn New Record in Executions in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has exceeded its previous yearly high for the number of executions for a second straight year.

A minimum of 347 individuals have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, as reported by a British advocacy organization that monitors such proceedings.

This figure tops the number of 345 noted in 2024, making it what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since records started."

The most recent cases carried out included two Pakistani nationals sentenced on charges related to narcotics.

Breakdown of the Cases

Further cases this year comprised a reporter and two youths who were underage at the time of their reported acts connected to dissent.

Five of those were female prisoners. But, according to the monitoring group, the vast bulk—about two-thirds—were convicted for non-lethal substance violations.

The United Nations have said that applying the capital punishment for such violations is "contrary to international norms and standards."

More than half of those put to death were individuals from other countries, caught up in what is described as a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

"Saudi Arabia is operating with absolute immunity now," stated a head of the campaign. "It's almost ridiculing the human rights system."

The advocate further characterized extracted statements through mistreatment as "widespread" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Personal Accounts

Among those put to death this week was a young Egyptian fisherman, taken into custody in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was pressured into trafficking narcotics.

Loved ones of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "fear" they now live in.

"The only time of the week that I sleep is on those two days because there are no death sentences carried out on those days," one relative stated.

Fellow inmates have reportedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "led kicking and screaming to their death."

Broader Context

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has led major shifts in policy, easing some rules while simultaneously cracking down on dissent.

Even as the country has become more accessible in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "poor" according to international observers.

"No price has been paid for going ahead with these executions," said a expert focusing on the region. "Major events continue with minimal fallout."

Reports suggest families of the condemned are usually not informed in advance, not given the remains, and not informed about burial sites.

International Response

A UN special rapporteur has called for an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual abolition.

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international safeguards," including access to lawyers and embassy contact for detainees from abroad.

Notable instances have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their reported offences and a reporter executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"The death penalty against members of the press is a frightening blow on free speech," declared a international agency head.

In a written response to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture."

The response added that the capital punishment is applied solely for the "gravest offences" and after completing all judicial proceedings.