Human Rights Organizations Decry Unprecedented High in Death Sentences in the Kingdom
The Kingdom has exceeded its prior execution tally for the carrying out of death sentences for a second year running.
No fewer than 347 people have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, according to a British advocacy organization that records such sentences.
This figure exceeds the total of 345 documented in 2024, marking what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since records started."
The newest people put to death were two individuals from Pakistan convicted on drug-related offences.
Details on the Cases
Further cases this year comprised a journalist and two youths who were underage at the time of their reported offences linked to demonstrations.
Five were female. However, per the monitoring group, the vast bulk—approximately two-thirds—were sentenced for non-violent narcotics charges.
International bodies have said that applying the ultimate sentence for such violations is "contrary to international law and principles."
Over 50% of those executed were non-Saudi citizens, ensnared in what has been labeled a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.
"Saudi Arabia is operating with total disregard now," said a official of the monitoring group. "It's almost flouting the international rights framework."
The official further labeled coerced admissions and abuse as "endemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "severe and random suppression."
Individual Cases
Among those executed recently was a young national of Egypt, taken into custody in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was pressured into smuggling drugs.
Family members of men on death row for drug charges have given accounts privately the "terror" they now live in.
"The single occasion of the week that I sleep is on the weekend because there are no executions on those days," an individual recounted.
Fellow inmates have allegedly witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "led resisting violently to their death."
Wider Backdrop
The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has presided over significant societal reforms, easing some rules while concurrently silencing criticism.
Even as the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to global watchdogs.
"No price has been paid for going ahead with these executions," said a analyst focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with minimal fallout."
Allegations suggest families of the deceased are often given no prior notice, not given the remains, and not informed about burial sites.
Global Condemnation
A UN special rapporteur has called for an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual an end to the practice.
The expert also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international safeguards," including representation and embassy contact for non-citizens.
Particular executions have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their charged acts and a writer executed on national security allegations.
"Capital punishment against media workers is a frightening blow on press freedom," stated a senior UN cultural official.
In a official communication to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture."
The letter continued that the capital punishment is used exclusively for the "most serious crimes" and after completing all legal processes.
