Human Rights Organizations Decry Unprecedented High in Executions in the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia has broken its own annual record for the number of executions for a second year running.

At least 347 persons have been put to death so far this year, as reported by a UK-based campaign group that records such cases.

This figure is higher than the total of 345 recorded in 2024, representing what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The most recent cases carried out involved two Pakistani nationals sentenced on illegal substance violations.

Details on the Sentences

Others put to death include a reporter and two youths who were children at the time of their reported offences linked to demonstrations.

A total of five were women. But, according to the monitoring group, the largest portion—around two-thirds—were found guilty for non-lethal narcotics charges.

International bodies have said that applying the death penalty for such violations is "contrary to international norms and standards."

Over 50% of those subjected to capital punishment were foreign nationals, ensnared in what appears to be a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with absolute immunity now," said a representative of the campaign. "It's almost ridiculing the global justice mechanism."

The official further characterized torture and forced confessions as "endemic" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Individual Cases

Among those executed recently was a young Egyptian fisherman, detained in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was coerced into trafficking narcotics.

Family members of men on death row for drug charges have spoken anonymously 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 allegedly seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "led in protest to their death."

Wider Backdrop

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 suppressing opposition.

While the country has opened up in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "poor" according to global watchdogs.

"No price has been paid for proceeding with these executions," noted a analyst focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with no repercussions."

Allegations suggest families of the executed are usually not informed in advance, not given the remains, and not told burial sites.

International Response

A global human rights official has demanded an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual abolition.

The expert also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international safeguards," including representation and consular access for foreign nationals.

Notable instances have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their charged acts and a journalist executed on national security allegations.

"Capital punishment against members of the press is a frightening blow on freedom of expression," said a international agency head.

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

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