Rights Groups Denounce New Record in Death Sentences in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom has surpassed its previous yearly high for the carrying out of death sentences for a second consecutive year.

No fewer than 347 people have been put to death so far this year, according to a London-based rights monitor that tracks such proceedings.

This figure is higher than the final count of 345 noted in 2024, marking what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The most recent people put to death included two citizens of Pakistan found guilty on drug-related offences.

Details on the Sentences

Others put to death involved a media professional and two young men who were children at the time of their alleged offences linked to demonstrations.

A total of five were female prisoners. But, per the monitoring group, the majority—approximately two-thirds—were found guilty for non-violent drug-related offences.

Global organizations have said that applying the death penalty for such offences is "violates international law and principles."

Over 50% of those subjected to capital punishment were foreign nationals, implicated in what is described as a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"Saudi Arabia is operating with total disregard now," stated a representative of the monitoring group. "It's almost flouting the human rights system."

The advocate further described coerced admissions and abuse as "endemic" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Individual Cases

Among those put to death this week was a young fisherman from Egypt, taken into custody in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was coerced into trafficking narcotics.

Relatives of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have described the "terror" they now live in.

"The only time of the week that I find peace is on those two days because there are no executions on those days," a family member said.

Fellow inmates have reportedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken in protest to their death."

Political Climate

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has overseen major shifts in policy, easing some rules while at the same time suppressing opposition.

Even as the country has become more accessible in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "poor" according to international observers.

"There have been no consequences for going ahead with these executions," commented a expert focusing on the region. "Major events continue with minimal fallout."

Claims suggest families of the deceased are often given no prior notice, denied the bodies, and not informed about where they are interred.

International Response

A UN special rapporteur has demanded an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual an end to the practice.

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "full compliance with international standards," including access to lawyers and consular access for foreign nationals.

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

"Executions against members of the press is a frightening blow on free speech," said a leading UNESCO figure.

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

The response further stated that the ultimate sentence is used exclusively for the "gravest offences" and after exhausting all legal processes.