Advocacy Organizations Condemn Unprecedented High in Death Sentences in the Kingdom

The nation has exceeded its prior execution tally for the carrying out of death sentences for a second consecutive year.

At least 347 people have been executed so far this year, per data from a London-based campaign group that tracks such sentences.

This figure exceeds the number of 345 noted in 2024, representing what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated."

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

Breakdown of the Executions

Further cases this year include a reporter and two youths who were children at the time of their alleged protest-related crimes.

Five of those were women. However, as stated by the monitoring group, the largest portion—around two-thirds—were convicted for not involving murder drug-related offences.

Global organizations have stated that applying the capital punishment for such crimes is "incompatible with international human rights standards."

More than half of those executed were foreign nationals, implicated in what has been labeled a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with absolute immunity now," remarked a official of the campaign. "It's almost making a mockery of the international rights framework."

The advocate further labeled coerced admissions and abuse as "widespread" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Human Stories

Among those put to death this week was a young fisherman from Egypt, detained in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was coerced into carrying illegal substances.

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

"The only time of the week that I find peace is on Friday and Saturday because there are no death sentences carried out on those days," a family member said.

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

Political Climate

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has presided over profound social changes, loosening some restrictions while at the same time silencing criticism.

Although the country has opened up in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to international observers.

"There have been no consequences for going ahead with these executions," noted a expert focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with minimal fallout."

Allegations suggest families of the condemned are usually not informed in advance, denied the bodies, and not informed about the location of graves.

Global Condemnation

A UN special rapporteur has urged an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual an end to the practice.

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international protections," including access to lawyers and diplomatic support for non-citizens.

Specific cases have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their charged acts and a reporter executed on claims of disloyalty.

"The death penalty against media workers is a frightening blow on free speech," declared a international agency head.

In a written response to international queries, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture."

The communication continued that the ultimate sentence is applied solely for the "gravest offences" and after exhausting all legal processes.