Rights Groups Decry New Record in Death Sentences in Saudi Arabia

The nation has surpassed its own annual record for the carrying out of death sentences for a second straight year.

A minimum of 347 persons have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, per data from a London-based advocacy organization that monitors such sentences.

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 newest individuals to be executed were two citizens of Pakistan convicted on illegal substance violations.

Details on the Cases

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

Five of those were female. However, according to the monitoring group, the vast bulk—approximately two-thirds—were convicted for not involving murder drug-related offences.

Global organizations have stated that applying the ultimate sentence for such violations is "violates international norms and standards."

Over 50% of those executed were foreign nationals, ensnared in what has been labeled a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"Saudi Arabia is operating with total disregard now," said a head of the campaign. "It's almost flouting the human rights system."

The advocate further characterized extracted statements through mistreatment as "endemic" within the Saudi legal framework, 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 is said to have claimed he was coerced into trafficking narcotics.

Loved ones of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "dread" they now live in.

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

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

Broader Context

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has overseen significant societal reforms, easing some restrictions while at the same time silencing criticism.

Although the country has become more accessible in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to global watchdogs.

"There have been no consequences for carrying out these executions," said a researcher focusing on the region. "Major events continue with no repercussions."

Allegations suggest families of the condemned are typically given no prior notice, refused custody, and not told the location of graves.

Calls for Action

A UN special rapporteur has urged an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual an end to the practice.

The official also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international protections," including legal assistance and diplomatic support for detainees from abroad.

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

"The death penalty against members of the press is a deeply concerning assault on press freedom," said a leading UNESCO figure.

In a formal letter to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture."

The response added that the ultimate sentence is used exclusively for the "gravest offences" and after concluding all court appeals.