Human Rights Organizations Decry Unprecedented High in Executions in the Kingdom

The Kingdom has surpassed its previous yearly high for the carrying out of death sentences for a second straight year.

No fewer than 347 individuals have been executed so far this year, as reported by a British rights monitor that tracks such proceedings.

This figure exceeds the final count of 345 noted in 2024, representing what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since records started."

The latest cases carried out included two citizens of Pakistan found guilty on charges related to narcotics.

Details on the Executions

Additional individuals executed involved a journalist and two individuals who were minors at the time of their claimed offences linked to demonstrations.

Five of those were female prisoners. But, according to the monitoring group, the majority—approximately two-thirds—were found guilty for non-violent substance violations.

Global organizations have declared that applying the ultimate sentence for such offences is "violates international human rights standards."

More than half of those put to death were non-Saudi citizens, implicated in what is described as a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with absolute immunity now," remarked a head of the monitoring group. "It's almost ridiculing the human rights system."

The representative further labeled extracted statements through mistreatment as "endemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign."

Human Stories

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

Relatives of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "terror" they now live in.

"The single occasion of the week that I sleep is on those two days because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," a family member said.

Cellmates have according to accounts seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken in protest to their death."

Political Climate

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has led profound social changes, loosening some restrictions while simultaneously suppressing opposition.

Even as the country has opened up in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to international observers.

"There's been no cost for proceeding with these executions," said a analyst focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with no repercussions."

Allegations suggest families of the deceased are usually not informed in advance, refused custody, and not informed about burial sites.

Global Condemnation

A UN special rapporteur has urged an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual elimination.

The official also stressed the need for "full compliance with international protections," including legal assistance and consular access for foreign nationals.

Notable instances have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their charged acts and a journalist executed on claims of disloyalty.

"Capital punishment against journalists is a chilling attack on freedom of expression," 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 "outlaw and sanction torture."

The letter continued that the death penalty is used exclusively for the "heinous violations" and after completing all judicial proceedings.