🔗 Share this article Rights Groups Condemn Unprecedented High in Executions in Saudi Arabia An Egyptian fisherman was among those executed this year. Saudi Arabia has exceeded its previous yearly high for the use of capital punishment for a second year running. No fewer than 347 individuals have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, per data from a London-based rights monitor that records such proceedings. This figure exceeds the total of 345 recorded in 2024, marking what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began." The latest individuals to be executed were two Pakistani nationals found guilty on charges related to narcotics. Analysis of the Cases Others put to death involved a journalist and two young men who were minors at the time of their reported acts connected to dissent. Five were female. But, as stated by the monitoring group, the vast bulk—about two-thirds—were found guilty for non-violent substance violations. Global organizations have declared that applying the capital punishment for such violations is "contrary to international norms and standards." Over 50% of those put to death were non-Saudi citizens, caught up in what has been labeled a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom. "The authorities are acting with complete impunity now," remarked a representative of the campaign. "It's almost ridiculing the international rights framework." The official further characterized torture and forced confessions as "endemic" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign." Individual Cases Among those put to death this week was a young national of Egypt, detained in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was coerced into trafficking narcotics. Family members of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "terror" they now live in. "The only time of the week that I find peace is on the weekend 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 "taken resisting violently to their death." Broader Context The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has presided over profound social changes, relaxing some limitations while at the same time cracking down on dissent. Even as the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to international observers. "There's been no cost for carrying out these executions," commented a analyst focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with no repercussions." Reports suggest families of the condemned are often not informed in advance, denied the bodies, and left unaware of where they are interred. Global Condemnation A global human rights official has demanded an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual abolition. The expert also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international protections," including legal assistance and consular access for non-citizens. Notable instances have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their charged acts and a journalist executed on national security allegations. "Executions against members of the press is a chilling attack on press freedom," said a international agency head. In a official communication to international queries, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture." The communication further stated that the ultimate sentence is imposed only for the "gravest offences" and after completing all legal processes.
An Egyptian fisherman was among those executed this year. Saudi Arabia has exceeded its previous yearly high for the use of capital punishment for a second year running. No fewer than 347 individuals have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, per data from a London-based rights monitor that records such proceedings. This figure exceeds the total of 345 recorded in 2024, marking what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began." The latest individuals to be executed were two Pakistani nationals found guilty on charges related to narcotics. Analysis of the Cases Others put to death involved a journalist and two young men who were minors at the time of their reported acts connected to dissent. Five were female. But, as stated by the monitoring group, the vast bulk—about two-thirds—were found guilty for non-violent substance violations. Global organizations have declared that applying the capital punishment for such violations is "contrary to international norms and standards." Over 50% of those put to death were non-Saudi citizens, caught up in what has been labeled a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom. "The authorities are acting with complete impunity now," remarked a representative of the campaign. "It's almost ridiculing the international rights framework." The official further characterized torture and forced confessions as "endemic" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign." Individual Cases Among those put to death this week was a young national of Egypt, detained in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was coerced into trafficking narcotics. Family members of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "terror" they now live in. "The only time of the week that I find peace is on the weekend 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 "taken resisting violently to their death." Broader Context The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has presided over profound social changes, relaxing some limitations while at the same time cracking down on dissent. Even as the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to international observers. "There's been no cost for carrying out these executions," commented a analyst focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with no repercussions." Reports suggest families of the condemned are often not informed in advance, denied the bodies, and left unaware of where they are interred. Global Condemnation A global human rights official has demanded an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual abolition. The expert also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international protections," including legal assistance and consular access for non-citizens. Notable instances have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their charged acts and a journalist executed on national security allegations. "Executions against members of the press is a chilling attack on press freedom," said a international agency head. In a official communication to international queries, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture." The communication further stated that the ultimate sentence is imposed only for the "gravest offences" and after completing all legal processes.