Human Rights Organizations Denounce Unprecedented High in Capital Punishment in the Gulf State

The Kingdom has exceeded its prior execution tally for the use of capital punishment for a second year running.

No fewer than 347 individuals have been executed so far this year, according to a UK-based advocacy organization that tracks such proceedings.

This figure is higher than the number of 345 documented in 2024, making it what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated."

The most recent cases carried out included two citizens of Pakistan sentenced on illegal substance violations.

Breakdown of the Executions

Additional individuals executed involved a reporter and two youths who were underage at the time of their alleged offences linked to demonstrations.

A total of five were women. But, as stated by the monitoring group, the largest portion—about two-thirds—were sentenced for non-lethal drug-related offences.

International bodies have declared that applying the death penalty for such offences is "incompatible with international norms and standards."

More than half of those subjected to capital punishment were foreign nationals, implicated in what is described as a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"The kingdom is functioning with total disregard now," said a head of the monitoring group. "It's almost making a mockery of the international rights framework."

The representative further characterized coerced admissions and abuse as "widespread" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Individual Cases

Among those executed recently was a young fisherman from Egypt, arrested in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was forced into trafficking narcotics.

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

"The single occasion of the week that I find peace is on Friday and Saturday because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," an individual recounted.

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

Political Climate

The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has overseen significant societal reforms, easing some limitations while at the same time silencing criticism.

Even as the country has become more accessible in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to rights groups.

"There's been no cost for carrying out these executions," commented a expert focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with no repercussions."

Claims suggest families of the deceased are typically not informed in advance, denied the bodies, and not told the location of graves.

Global Condemnation

A UN special rapporteur has urged an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual elimination.

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international protections," including representation and embassy contact for foreign nationals.

Notable instances have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their reported offences and a reporter executed on claims of disloyalty.

"Capital punishment against media workers is a chilling attack on press freedom," stated a international agency head.

In a formal letter to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture."

The response added that the capital punishment is used exclusively for the "gravest offences" and after concluding all judicial proceedings.