Human Rights Organizations Condemn Unprecedented High in Death Sentences in Saudi Arabia

The nation has broken its prior execution tally for the use of capital punishment for a second consecutive year.

At least 347 persons have been put to death so far this year, according to a UK-based campaign group that monitors such sentences.

This figure exceeds the total of 345 recorded in 2024, representing what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated."

The latest people put to death involved two Pakistani nationals convicted on charges related to narcotics.

Analysis of the Executions

Additional individuals executed comprised a journalist and two young men who were underage at the time of their alleged protest-related crimes.

A total of five were women. But, as stated by the monitoring group, the vast bulk—about two-thirds—were convicted for not involving murder substance violations.

The United Nations have declared that applying the death penalty for such crimes is "contrary to international human rights standards."

More than half of those subjected to capital punishment were foreign nationals, ensnared 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 monitoring group. "It's almost making a mockery of the global justice mechanism."

The representative further labeled torture and forced confessions as "endemic" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Human Stories

Among those executed recently was a young Egyptian fisherman, detained in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was coerced into carrying illegal substances.

Loved ones of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have given accounts privately the "terror" they now live in.

"The sole period of the week that I sleep is on Friday and Saturday because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," an individual recounted.

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

Wider Backdrop

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has led major shifts in policy, easing some rules while concurrently cracking down on dissent.

Even as the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "poor" according to global watchdogs.

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

Claims suggest families of the condemned are typically given no prior notice, not given the remains, and left unaware of the location of graves.

Global Condemnation

A United Nations expert has called for an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual elimination.

The official also stressed the need for "full compliance with international safeguards," including representation and embassy contact for non-citizens.

Specific cases have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their alleged crimes and a journalist executed on national security allegations.

"The death penalty 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 stated that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture."

The letter added that the death penalty is imposed only for the "heinous violations" and after completing all judicial proceedings.