Advocacy Organizations Decry Historic Peak in Executions in the Kingdom

The nation has broken its own annual record for the use of capital punishment for a second consecutive year.

A minimum of 347 individuals have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, as reported by a British advocacy organization that records such proceedings.

This figure exceeds the total of 345 documented in 2024, making it what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since records started."

The most recent individuals to be executed were two individuals from Pakistan found guilty on illegal substance violations.

Details on the Cases

Further cases this year include a reporter and two youths who were underage at the time of their reported offences linked to demonstrations.

Five were women. Yet, as stated by the monitoring group, the majority—around two-thirds—were convicted for non-lethal drug-related offences.

The United Nations have stated that applying the death penalty for such offences is "contrary to international law and principles."

Over 50% of those subjected to capital punishment were non-Saudi citizens, ensnared in what is described as a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with absolute immunity now," remarked a representative of the campaign. "It's almost making a mockery of the human rights system."

The advocate further described extracted statements through mistreatment as "systemic" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Human Stories

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young fisherman from Egypt, arrested in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was coerced into carrying illegal substances.

Loved ones of men on death row for drug charges have given accounts privately the "dread" they now live in.

"The only time of the week that I find peace is on Friday and Saturday because there are no death sentences carried out on those days," one relative stated.

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

Political Climate

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has presided over major shifts in policy, easing some limitations while at the same time cracking down on dissent.

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

"There have been no consequences for proceeding with these executions," said a researcher focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with no repercussions."

Reports suggest families of the executed are often left in the dark, denied the bodies, and not informed about the location of graves.

Global Condemnation

A United Nations expert has demanded an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual an end to the practice.

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

Notable instances have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their charged acts and a journalist executed on national security allegations.

"Capital punishment against media workers is a chilling attack on press freedom," said a leading UNESCO figure.

In a written response to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture."

The communication further stated that the capital punishment is used exclusively for the "gravest offences" and after completing all court appeals.