🔗 Share this article Advocacy Organizations Decry New Record in Executions in the Kingdom An Egyptian fisherman was among those executed this year. Saudi Arabia has broken its own annual record for the number of executions for a second consecutive year. At least 347 persons have been put to death so far this year, as reported by a London-based campaign group that tracks such proceedings. This figure exceeds the final count of 345 recorded in 2024, representing what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since records started." The latest cases carried out included two citizens of Pakistan found guilty on drug-related offences. Analysis of the Executions Further cases this year comprised a media professional and two youths who were minors at the time of their alleged acts connected to dissent. Five were women. However, according to the monitoring group, the majority—approximately two-thirds—were convicted for non-violent substance violations. Global organizations have stated that applying the capital punishment for such offences is "incompatible with international norms and standards." Over 50% of those executed were non-Saudi citizens, implicated in what has been labeled a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom. "The kingdom is functioning with complete impunity now," stated a official of the rights organization. "It's almost ridiculing the human rights system." The representative further described extracted statements through mistreatment as "widespread" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign." Individual Cases Among those executed recently was a young national of Egypt, arrested in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was forced into carrying illegal substances. Loved ones of men on death row for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "terror" they now live in. "The only time of the week that I rest is on the weekend because there are no executions on those days," an individual recounted. Other prisoners have reportedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "led kicking and screaming to their death." Wider Backdrop The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has presided over major shifts in policy, relaxing some rules while simultaneously suppressing opposition. Even as the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to global watchdogs. "There have been no consequences for carrying out these executions," commented a researcher focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with minimal fallout." Reports suggest families of the executed are often not informed in advance, not given the remains, and not told where they are interred. Calls for Action A global human rights official has demanded an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual an end to the practice. The expert also stressed the need for "full compliance with international safeguards," including access to lawyers and diplomatic support for detainees from abroad. Notable instances have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their reported offences and a writer executed on terrorism and treason charges. "The death penalty against media workers is a deeply concerning assault on press freedom," declared a senior UN cultural official. In a formal letter to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture." The letter further stated that the death penalty is applied solely for the "heinous violations" and after concluding all court appeals.
An Egyptian fisherman was among those executed this year. Saudi Arabia has broken its own annual record for the number of executions for a second consecutive year. At least 347 persons have been put to death so far this year, as reported by a London-based campaign group that tracks such proceedings. This figure exceeds the final count of 345 recorded in 2024, representing what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since records started." The latest cases carried out included two citizens of Pakistan found guilty on drug-related offences. Analysis of the Executions Further cases this year comprised a media professional and two youths who were minors at the time of their alleged acts connected to dissent. Five were women. However, according to the monitoring group, the majority—approximately two-thirds—were convicted for non-violent substance violations. Global organizations have stated that applying the capital punishment for such offences is "incompatible with international norms and standards." Over 50% of those executed were non-Saudi citizens, implicated in what has been labeled a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom. "The kingdom is functioning with complete impunity now," stated a official of the rights organization. "It's almost ridiculing the human rights system." The representative further described extracted statements through mistreatment as "widespread" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign." Individual Cases Among those executed recently was a young national of Egypt, arrested in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was forced into carrying illegal substances. Loved ones of men on death row for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "terror" they now live in. "The only time of the week that I rest is on the weekend because there are no executions on those days," an individual recounted. Other prisoners have reportedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "led kicking and screaming to their death." Wider Backdrop The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has presided over major shifts in policy, relaxing some rules while simultaneously suppressing opposition. Even as the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to global watchdogs. "There have been no consequences for carrying out these executions," commented a researcher focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with minimal fallout." Reports suggest families of the executed are often not informed in advance, not given the remains, and not told where they are interred. Calls for Action A global human rights official has demanded an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual an end to the practice. The expert also stressed the need for "full compliance with international safeguards," including access to lawyers and diplomatic support for detainees from abroad. Notable instances have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their reported offences and a writer executed on terrorism and treason charges. "The death penalty against media workers is a deeply concerning assault on press freedom," declared a senior UN cultural official. In a formal letter to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture." The letter further stated that the death penalty is applied solely for the "heinous violations" and after concluding all court appeals.