Human Rights Organizations Condemn Unprecedented High in Executions in the Gulf State

Saudi Arabia has exceeded its own annual record for the use of capital punishment for a second year running.

No fewer than 347 people have been executed so far this year, as reported by a British campaign group that tracks such cases.

This figure exceeds the number of 345 recorded in 2024, marking what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since records started."

The newest cases carried out included two citizens of Pakistan convicted on illegal substance violations.

Details on the Sentences

Further cases this year include a media professional and two youths who were minors at the time of their claimed acts connected to dissent.

Five of those were female. But, per the monitoring group, the largest portion—around two-thirds—were sentenced for non-violent narcotics charges.

International bodies have stated that applying the death penalty for such violations is "contrary to international norms and standards."

A majority of those subjected to capital punishment were individuals from other countries, ensnared in what is described as a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with total disregard now," stated a representative of the monitoring group. "It's almost flouting the human rights system."

The advocate further labeled extracted statements through mistreatment as "endemic" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign."

Individual Cases

Among those put to death this week was a young fisherman from Egypt, taken into custody in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was pressured into carrying illegal substances.

Family members of men on death row for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "fear" they now live in.

"The single occasion of the week that I sleep is on those two days because there are no death sentences carried out on those days," one relative stated.

Fellow inmates have reportedly witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken in protest to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has presided over significant societal reforms, loosening some limitations while simultaneously cracking down on dissent.

Even as the country has opened up in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to international observers.

"No price has been paid for going ahead with these executions," commented a analyst focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with no repercussions."

Reports suggest families of the executed are usually given no prior notice, refused custody, and not informed about burial sites.

International Response

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

The expert also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international safeguards," including legal assistance and diplomatic support for foreign nationals.

Particular executions have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their reported offences and a writer executed on national security allegations.

"Capital punishment against media workers is a chilling attack on press freedom," said a senior UN cultural official.

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

The communication continued that the death penalty is imposed only for the "gravest offences" and after exhausting all court appeals.