Human Rights Organizations Denounce New Record in Capital Punishment in Saudi Arabia

The nation 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 campaign group that records such proceedings.

This figure tops the number of 345 recorded in 2024, representing what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The most recent people put to death involved two citizens of Pakistan found guilty on charges related to narcotics.

Details on the Cases

Additional individuals executed involved a reporter and two individuals who were minors at the time of their reported acts connected to dissent.

Five were women. But, per the monitoring group, the vast bulk—about two-thirds—were convicted for non-violent drug-related offences.

International bodies have said that applying the ultimate sentence for such offences is "incompatible with international norms and standards."

Over 50% of those executed were non-Saudi citizens, implicated in what has been labeled a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The kingdom is functioning with total disregard now," remarked a head of the campaign. "It's almost flouting the international rights framework."

The official further described coerced admissions and abuse as "systemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Individual Cases

Among those executed recently was a young fisherman from Egypt, detained in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was pressured into carrying illegal substances.

Family members of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have described the "fear" they now live in.

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

Cellmates have allegedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged kicking and screaming to their death."

Broader Context

The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has led significant societal reforms, 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 "abysmal" according to global watchdogs.

"There have been no consequences for proceeding with these executions," said a analyst focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with little backlash."

Reports suggest families of the executed are usually not informed in advance, not given the remains, and not told where they are interred.

Calls for Action

A global human rights official has urged an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual elimination.

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international protections," including legal assistance and diplomatic support for non-citizens.

Specific cases have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their reported offences and a reporter executed on claims of disloyalty.

"The death penalty against journalists is a frightening blow on free speech," stated a senior UN cultural official.

In a written response to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture."

The communication further stated that the capital punishment is applied solely for the "most serious crimes" and after exhausting all court appeals.