Human Rights Organizations Denounce New Record in Executions in the Gulf State
The nation has exceeded its prior execution tally for the carrying out of death sentences for a second consecutive year.
A minimum of 347 people have been put to death so far this year, per data from a UK-based advocacy organization that monitors such proceedings.
This figure exceeds the final count of 345 noted in 2024, marking what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."
The newest cases carried out were two Pakistani nationals found guilty on illegal substance violations.
Details on the Executions
Further cases this year comprised a journalist and two young men who were underage at the time of their alleged offences linked to demonstrations.
Five of those were women. But, per the monitoring group, the vast bulk—around two-thirds—were convicted for non-lethal drug-related offences.
International bodies have declared that applying the death penalty for such violations is "contrary to international norms and standards."
More than half of those put to death were non-Saudi citizens, ensnared in what has been labeled a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.
"The kingdom is functioning with complete impunity now," remarked a representative of the monitoring group. "It's almost making a mockery of the international rights framework."
The official further described coerced admissions and abuse as "widespread" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "severe and random suppression."
Human Stories
Among those put to death this week was a young fisherman from Egypt, taken into custody in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was forced into smuggling drugs.
Loved ones of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "dread" they now live in.
"The single occasion of the week that I rest is on those two days because there are no executions on those days," a family member said.
Fellow inmates have allegedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken kicking and screaming to their death."
Wider Backdrop
The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has led major shifts in policy, easing some restrictions while simultaneously suppressing opposition.
Although the country has opened up in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to global watchdogs.
"There's been no cost for going ahead with these executions," noted a researcher focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with minimal fallout."
Claims suggest families of the condemned are usually not informed in advance, refused custody, and left unaware of burial sites.
Global Condemnation
A global human rights official has urged an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual elimination.
The official also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international protections," including representation and diplomatic support for non-citizens.
Particular executions have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their charged acts and a writer executed on terrorism and treason charges.
"The death penalty against journalists is a deeply concerning assault on freedom of expression," declared a senior UN cultural official.
In a official communication to international queries, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture."
The response continued that the ultimate sentence is applied solely for the "most serious crimes" and after completing all judicial proceedings.
