Rights Groups Decry New Record in Executions in the Gulf State

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

At least 347 individuals have been put to death so far this year, as reported by a British advocacy organization that records such cases.

This figure is higher than the total of 345 documented in 2024, representing what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated."

The newest cases carried out were two citizens of Pakistan sentenced on charges related to narcotics.

Analysis of the Cases

Additional individuals executed comprised a media professional and two youths who were children at the time of their claimed acts connected to dissent.

Five of those were women. However, as stated by the monitoring group, the majority—approximately two-thirds—were sentenced for not involving murder 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 put to death were individuals from other countries, ensnared in what has been labeled a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with absolute immunity now," stated a head of the campaign. "It's almost making a mockery of the international rights framework."

The official further characterized coerced admissions and abuse as "systemic" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign."

Personal Accounts

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young Egyptian fisherman, arrested in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was pressured into smuggling drugs.

Family members of men on death row for drug charges have given accounts privately the "fear" they now live in.

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

Other prisoners have according to accounts observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken resisting violently to their death."

Broader Context

The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has presided over major shifts in policy, loosening some rules while concurrently cracking down on dissent.

Even as the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to rights groups.

"There's been no cost for proceeding with these executions," noted a researcher focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with little backlash."

Claims suggest families of the deceased are usually not informed in advance, not given the remains, and not informed about burial sites.

Calls for Action

A UN special rapporteur has called for an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual elimination.

The expert also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international safeguards," including legal assistance and embassy contact for detainees from abroad.

Particular executions have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their reported offences and a writer executed on claims of disloyalty.

"Executions against journalists is a chilling attack on free speech," stated a leading UNESCO figure.

In a formal letter to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture."

The response further stated that the capital punishment is applied solely for the "heinous violations" and after exhausting all judicial proceedings.