Rights Groups Condemn Historic Peak in Executions in the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia has broken its previous yearly high for the use of capital punishment for a second straight year.

A minimum of 347 persons have been put to death so far this year, as reported by a British rights monitor that tracks such sentences.

This figure is higher than the number of 345 documented in 2024, making it what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated."

The latest individuals to be executed involved two individuals from Pakistan found guilty on illegal substance violations.

Details on the Cases

Further cases this year include a journalist and two individuals who were minors at the time of their claimed protest-related crimes.

A total of five were female prisoners. However, according to the monitoring group, the majority—approximately two-thirds—were found guilty for non-lethal narcotics charges.

The United Nations have stated that applying the ultimate sentence for such offences is "violates international law and principles."

A majority of those executed were non-Saudi citizens, ensnared in what has been labeled a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with total disregard now," remarked a head of the rights organization. "It's almost ridiculing the global justice mechanism."

The advocate further described torture and forced confessions as "systemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign."

Individual Cases

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young fisherman from Egypt, arrested in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was forced into carrying illegal substances.

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

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

Cellmates have reportedly seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken kicking and screaming to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has presided over profound social changes, loosening some limitations while simultaneously suppressing opposition.

Although the country has become more accessible in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "poor" according to international observers.

"There's been no cost for carrying out these executions," noted a expert focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with minimal fallout."

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

International Response

A global human rights official has called for an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual abolition.

The expert also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international protections," including legal assistance and embassy contact for non-citizens.

Specific cases have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their reported offences and a writer executed on national security allegations.

"Capital punishment against media workers is a frightening blow on freedom of expression," said a international agency head.

In a official communication to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture."

The letter continued that the ultimate sentence is applied solely for the "most serious crimes" and after completing all legal processes.