Advocacy Organizations Condemn Historic Peak in Capital Punishment in the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia has surpassed its own annual record for the carrying out of death sentences for a second straight year.

No fewer than 347 persons have been executed so far this year, as reported by a British rights monitor that monitors such cases.

This figure tops the total of 345 documented in 2024, making it what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated."

The most recent individuals to be executed were two individuals from Pakistan convicted on illegal substance violations.

Breakdown of the Executions

Additional individuals executed include a journalist and two young men who were underage at the time of their claimed acts connected to dissent.

A total of five were female prisoners. But, according to the monitoring group, the majority—approximately two-thirds—were sentenced for non-violent narcotics charges.

Global organizations have declared that applying the capital punishment for such violations is "violates international norms and standards."

A majority of those put to death were non-Saudi citizens, implicated in what has been labeled a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"The kingdom is functioning with complete impunity now," remarked a official of the monitoring group. "It's almost ridiculing the international rights framework."

The official further labeled torture and forced confessions as "widespread" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Human Stories

Among those executed recently was a young national of Egypt, taken into custody in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was coerced into trafficking narcotics.

Family members of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have given accounts privately the "terror" they now live in.

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

Other prisoners have reportedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken in protest to their death."

Broader Context

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has led major shifts in policy, loosening some limitations while simultaneously silencing criticism.

Even as the country has become more accessible in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to rights groups.

"There have been no consequences for going ahead with these executions," noted a researcher focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with little backlash."

Claims suggest families of the deceased are typically left in the dark, refused custody, and left unaware of where they are interred.

International Response

A UN special rapporteur 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 "full compliance with international safeguards," including legal assistance and embassy contact for detainees from abroad.

Particular executions have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their charged acts and a writer executed on claims of disloyalty.

"Executions against members of the press is a chilling attack on press freedom," said a leading UNESCO figure.

In a official communication to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture."

The response added that the death penalty is imposed only for the "heinous violations" and after completing all court appeals.