Human Rights Organizations Denounce New Record in Executions in Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom has exceeded its previous yearly high for the carrying out of death sentences for a second consecutive year.
No fewer than 347 people have been executed so far this year, according to a London-based advocacy organization that records such sentences.
This figure exceeds the number of 345 noted in 2024, making it what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since records started."
The newest cases carried out were two Pakistani nationals sentenced on charges related to narcotics.
Analysis of the Executions
Others put to death comprised a media professional and two youths who were minors at the time of their alleged offences linked to demonstrations.
Five of those were female. However, as stated by the monitoring group, the majority—approximately two-thirds—were found guilty for not involving murder substance violations.
The United Nations have said that applying the capital punishment for such violations is "incompatible with international law and principles."
A majority of those subjected to capital punishment were foreign nationals, ensnared in what appears to be a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.
"Saudi Arabia is operating with absolute immunity now," stated a head of the campaign. "It's almost ridiculing the international rights framework."
The advocate further labeled torture and forced confessions as "systemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "severe and random suppression."
Human Stories
Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young national of Egypt, arrested in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was pressured into carrying illegal substances.
Family members of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "dread" they now live in.
"The single occasion of the week that I rest is on those two days because there are no death sentences carried out on those days," an individual recounted.
Cellmates have reportedly 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 major shifts in policy, easing some limitations while concurrently cracking down on dissent.
Although the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to rights groups.
"No price has been paid for going ahead with these executions," noted a researcher focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with minimal fallout."
Reports suggest families of the condemned are usually left in the dark, not given the remains, and left unaware of burial sites.
Global Condemnation
A global human rights official has urged an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual abolition.
The rapporteur also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international safeguards," including representation and diplomatic support for foreign nationals.
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 reporter executed on national security allegations.
"Executions against journalists is a deeply concerning assault on press freedom," declared a senior UN cultural official.
In a formal letter to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture."
The letter further stated that the ultimate sentence is used exclusively for the "gravest offences" and after concluding all legal processes.