Human Rights Organizations Decry New Record in Executions in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom has broken its own annual record for the number of executions for a second consecutive year.

No fewer than 347 individuals have been put to death so far this year, according to a British advocacy organization that tracks such cases.

This figure tops the final count of 345 recorded in 2024, representing what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since records started."

The most recent people put to death were two Pakistani nationals found guilty on illegal substance violations.

Analysis of the Cases

Further cases this year involved a reporter and two young men who were underage at the time of their alleged offences linked to demonstrations.

Five of those were female. But, per the monitoring group, the majority—around two-thirds—were found guilty for not involving murder substance violations.

The United Nations have declared that applying the capital punishment for such offences is "contrary to international norms and standards."

A majority of those subjected to capital punishment were non-Saudi citizens, caught up in what appears to be a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The kingdom is functioning with absolute immunity now," said a official of the rights organization. "It's almost flouting the global justice mechanism."

The representative further characterized extracted statements through mistreatment as "widespread" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Personal Accounts

Among those put to death this week was a young Egyptian fisherman, arrested in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was coerced into carrying illegal substances.

Family members of men on death row for drug charges have described the "dread" they now live in.

"The only time of the week that I rest is on Friday and Saturday because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," one relative stated.

Cellmates have reportedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged in protest to their death."

Broader Context

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has led profound social changes, relaxing some limitations while at the same time silencing criticism.

Although the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "poor" according to rights groups.

"No price has been paid for proceeding with these executions," commented a researcher focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with minimal fallout."

Allegations suggest families of the condemned are usually not informed in advance, not given the remains, and left unaware of the location of graves.

International Response

A global human rights official has demanded an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual elimination.

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international protections," including representation and embassy contact for foreign nationals.

Particular executions have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their charged acts and a reporter executed on claims of disloyalty.

"The death penalty against journalists is a chilling attack on freedom of expression," stated a senior UN cultural official.

In a formal letter to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture."

The letter continued that the ultimate sentence is imposed only for the "gravest offences" and after completing all judicial proceedings.