Human Rights Organizations Denounce Unprecedented High in Executions in the Kingdom

The Kingdom has broken its prior execution tally for the carrying out of death sentences for a second straight year.

A minimum of 347 people have been put to death so far this year, per data from a British advocacy organization that records such proceedings.

This figure is higher than the number of 345 noted in 2024, marking what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since records started."

The most recent people put to death were two individuals from Pakistan sentenced on drug-related offences.

Analysis of the Sentences

Further cases this year comprised a media professional and two youths who were children at the time of their reported acts connected to dissent.

Five were women. However, according to the monitoring group, the vast bulk—approximately two-thirds—were convicted for non-violent drug-related offences.

International bodies have declared that applying the capital punishment for such crimes is "contrary to international norms and standards."

Over 50% of those subjected to capital punishment were non-Saudi citizens, ensnared in what has been labeled a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

"Saudi Arabia is operating with complete impunity now," stated a official of the rights organization. "It's almost flouting the international rights framework."

The official further labeled torture and forced confessions as "systemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Individual Cases

Among those put to death this week was a young national of Egypt, arrested in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was pressured into smuggling drugs.

Family members of men on death row 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 those two days because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," a family member said.

Other prisoners have reportedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged resisting violently to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has presided over profound social changes, loosening some limitations while at the same time cracking down on dissent.

Even as the country has opened up in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to rights groups.

"No price has been paid for going ahead with these executions," said a researcher focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with little backlash."

Claims suggest families of the condemned are often left in the dark, refused custody, and left unaware of where they are interred.

Calls for Action

A UN special rapporteur has demanded an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual elimination.

The official also stressed the need for "full compliance with international safeguards," including legal assistance and consular access for detainees from abroad.

Notable instances have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their alleged crimes and a writer executed on national security allegations.

"Executions against members of the press is a deeply concerning assault on freedom of expression," said a international agency head.

In a written response to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture."

The communication continued that the ultimate sentence is applied solely for the "heinous violations" and after exhausting all judicial proceedings.