Advocacy Organizations Denounce Historic Peak in Capital Punishment in the Gulf State

The nation has broken its previous yearly high for the use of capital punishment for a second year running.

A minimum of 347 individuals have been put to death so far this year, per data from a UK-based campaign group that tracks such proceedings.

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

The most recent cases carried out included two citizens of Pakistan convicted on charges related to narcotics.

Analysis of the Executions

Additional individuals executed include a journalist and two individuals who were children at the time of their claimed offences linked to demonstrations.

Five were female prisoners. But, as stated by the monitoring group, the majority—around two-thirds—were found guilty for non-lethal narcotics charges.

International bodies have stated that applying the ultimate sentence for such offences is "violates international human rights standards."

Over 50% of those put to death were individuals from other countries, caught up in what has been labeled a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"Saudi Arabia is operating with complete impunity now," said a head of the campaign. "It's almost making a mockery of the human rights system."

The representative further characterized coerced admissions and abuse as "widespread" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Human Stories

Among those executed recently was a young Egyptian fisherman, taken into custody in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was pressured into trafficking narcotics.

Loved ones of men on death row for drug charges have given accounts privately the "terror" 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," a family member said.

Fellow inmates have according to accounts witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "led in protest to their death."

Political Climate

The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has overseen significant societal reforms, 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 "abysmal" according to international observers.

"There have been no consequences for proceeding with these executions," said a expert focusing on the region. "Major events continue with little backlash."

Allegations suggest families of the deceased are usually given no prior notice, not given the remains, and left unaware of the location of graves.

Calls for Action

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

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

Notable instances have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their alleged crimes and a journalist executed on claims of disloyalty.

"Capital punishment against journalists is a deeply concerning assault on press freedom," stated a leading UNESCO figure.

In a written response to international queries, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture."

The response continued that the capital punishment is applied solely for the "most serious crimes" and after concluding all judicial proceedings.