Advocacy Organizations Denounce New Record in Capital Punishment in the Gulf State

The Kingdom has broken its previous yearly high for the number of executions for a second consecutive year.

A minimum of 347 persons have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, according to a British campaign group that monitors such sentences.

This figure tops the total of 345 recorded in 2024, representing what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The newest individuals to be executed involved two citizens of Pakistan sentenced on drug-related offences.

Analysis of the Executions

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

Five of those were female prisoners. Yet, according to the monitoring group, the vast bulk—approximately two-thirds—were sentenced for non-lethal drug-related offences.

International bodies have said that applying the ultimate sentence for such offences is "violates international norms and standards."

More than half of those executed were non-Saudi citizens, caught up in what has been labeled a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with complete impunity now," remarked a representative of the rights organization. "It's almost ridiculing the international rights framework."

The representative further labeled torture and forced confessions as "systemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign."

Human Stories

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young fisherman from Egypt, detained in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was pressured into smuggling drugs.

Loved ones of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have given accounts privately the "fear" they now live in.

"The only time of the week that I rest is on those two days because there are no executions on those days," a family member said.

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

Broader Context

The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has led significant societal reforms, easing some rules while simultaneously suppressing opposition.

Although the country has opened up in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "poor" according to global watchdogs.

"No price has been paid for going ahead with these executions," noted a expert focusing on the region. "Major events continue with no repercussions."

Allegations suggest families of the deceased are typically not informed in advance, not given the remains, and not told burial sites.

International Response

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

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "full compliance with international safeguards," including access to lawyers and embassy contact for foreign nationals.

Notable instances have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their alleged crimes and a reporter executed on national security allegations.

"Capital punishment against members of the press is a deeply concerning assault on free speech," stated a senior UN cultural official.

In a formal letter to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture."

The response further stated that the capital punishment is applied solely for the "most serious crimes" and after exhausting all court appeals.