Human Rights Organizations Condemn Historic Peak in Executions in the Gulf State

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

At least 347 individuals have been put to death so far this year, according to a British campaign group that tracks such proceedings.

This figure is higher than the number of 345 recorded in 2024, marking what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The most recent people put to death were two individuals from Pakistan found guilty on illegal substance violations.

Details on the Executions

Further cases this year include a journalist and two young men who were children at the time of their claimed acts connected to dissent.

A total of five were female prisoners. However, per the monitoring group, the majority—about two-thirds—were sentenced for not involving murder drug-related offences.

International bodies have said that applying the ultimate sentence for such crimes is "incompatible with international human rights standards."

Over 50% of those put to death were individuals from other countries, implicated in what appears to be a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with complete impunity now," remarked a official of the monitoring group. "It's almost making a mockery of the human rights system."

The official further labeled coerced admissions and abuse as "endemic" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign."

Individual Cases

Among those executed recently was a young fisherman from Egypt, detained in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was pressured into smuggling drugs.

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

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

Fellow inmates have allegedly witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged in protest to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has overseen significant societal reforms, loosening some limitations while concurrently silencing criticism.

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

"There's been no cost for going ahead with these executions," said a researcher focusing on the region. "Major events continue with no repercussions."

Allegations suggest families of the condemned are usually given no prior notice, refused custody, and left unaware of burial sites.

Calls for Action

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

The expert also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international standards," including representation and diplomatic support for detainees from abroad.

Particular executions have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their charged acts and a journalist executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"Executions against media workers is a frightening blow on free speech," declared a senior UN cultural official.

In a official communication to international queries, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture."

The response further stated that the ultimate sentence is applied solely for the "gravest offences" and after completing all judicial proceedings.