Rights Groups Condemn Historic Peak in Capital Punishment in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has surpassed its previous yearly high for the use of capital punishment for a second year running.

A minimum of 347 people have been executed so far this year, as reported by a UK-based advocacy organization that tracks such proceedings.

This figure exceeds the final count of 345 noted in 2024, making it what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The latest people put to death involved two citizens of Pakistan sentenced on illegal substance violations.

Breakdown of the Sentences

Others put to death comprised a reporter and two young men who were minors at the time of their alleged acts connected to dissent.

A total of five were female. Yet, according to the monitoring group, the majority—around two-thirds—were convicted for non-lethal drug-related offences.

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

More than half of those put to death were non-Saudi citizens, ensnared in what has been labeled a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with total disregard now," said a representative of the rights organization. "It's almost making a mockery of the human rights system."

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

Individual Cases

Among those put to death this week was a young Egyptian fisherman, arrested in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was pressured into trafficking narcotics.

Loved ones 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 find peace is on Friday and Saturday because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," an individual recounted.

Cellmates have according to accounts observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "led in protest to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has presided over significant societal reforms, relaxing some rules while concurrently suppressing opposition.

While the country has become more accessible in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to global watchdogs.

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

Allegations suggest families of the condemned are usually given no prior notice, refused custody, and not informed about the location of graves.

Global Condemnation

A global human rights official has urged an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual an end to the practice.

The expert also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international protections," including representation and diplomatic support for non-citizens.

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 writer executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"Capital punishment against media workers is a chilling attack on free speech," stated a leading UNESCO figure.

In a official communication to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture."

The response continued that the death penalty is imposed only for the "most serious crimes" and after exhausting all court appeals.