Advocacy Organizations Condemn Unprecedented High in Death Sentences in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom has surpassed its own annual record for the number of executions for a second year running.

A minimum of 347 people have been executed so far this year, according to a UK-based rights monitor that records such proceedings.

This figure is higher than the final count of 345 documented in 2024, representing what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated."

The latest people put to death included two Pakistani nationals sentenced on charges related to narcotics.

Analysis of the Cases

Others put to death comprised a media professional and two young men who were underage at the time of their reported offences linked to demonstrations.

Five were female. Yet, per the monitoring group, the majority—about two-thirds—were convicted for non-violent substance violations.

Global organizations have stated that applying the death penalty for such offences is "violates international law and principles."

A majority of those subjected to capital punishment were individuals from other countries, caught up in what has been labeled a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

"Saudi Arabia is operating with absolute immunity now," remarked a official of the rights organization. "It's almost making a mockery of the international rights framework."

The official further characterized torture and forced confessions as "endemic" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Individual Cases

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young Egyptian fisherman, taken into custody in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was pressured into carrying illegal substances.

Relatives of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have described the "terror" 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 reportedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged kicking and screaming to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has led profound social changes, easing some restrictions while concurrently cracking down on dissent.

Although the country has become more accessible in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to international observers.

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

Reports suggest families of the deceased are often given no prior notice, refused custody, and not told burial sites.

International Response

A UN special rapporteur has demanded an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual abolition.

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international standards," including legal assistance and consular access for detainees from abroad.

Notable instances have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their reported offences and a journalist executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"Executions against media workers is a chilling attack on free speech," said a senior UN cultural official.

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

The response further stated that the ultimate sentence is used exclusively for the "heinous violations" and after exhausting all judicial proceedings.