Human Rights Organizations Denounce Historic Peak in Capital Punishment in the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia has surpassed its prior execution tally for the carrying out of death sentences for a second consecutive year.

At least 347 individuals have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, according to a UK-based advocacy organization that records such sentences.

This figure is higher than the total of 345 recorded in 2024, marking what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since records started."

The newest cases carried out included two individuals from Pakistan found guilty on drug-related offences.

Analysis of the Sentences

Others put to death involved a media professional and two young men who were children at the time of their alleged acts connected to dissent.

Five of those were women. But, according to the monitoring group, the largest portion—approximately two-thirds—were sentenced for non-violent substance violations.

International bodies have stated that applying the capital punishment for such offences is "contrary to international human rights standards."

More than half of those put to death were individuals from other countries, implicated in what has been labeled a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with total disregard now," stated a representative of the rights organization. "It's almost making a mockery of the global justice mechanism."

The representative further described extracted statements through mistreatment as "systemic" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Individual Cases

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young fisherman from Egypt, detained in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was coerced into smuggling drugs.

Loved ones of men on death row for drug charges have described the "terror" they now live in.

"The sole period of the week that I find peace is on Friday and Saturday because there are no executions on those days," a family member said.

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

Broader Context

The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has presided over major shifts in policy, relaxing some rules while concurrently cracking down on dissent.

Even as the country has opened up in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to rights groups.

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

Reports suggest families of the condemned are typically not informed in advance, denied the bodies, and not informed about burial sites.

Global Condemnation

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

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international safeguards," including representation and consular access for non-citizens.

Particular executions have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their alleged crimes and a journalist executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"The death penalty against journalists is a frightening blow on free speech," said a international agency head.

In a formal letter to international queries, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture."

The response added that the capital punishment is imposed only for the "gravest offences" and after concluding all legal processes.