Advocacy Organizations Denounce New Record in Executions in the Gulf State

The nation has broken its prior execution tally for the use of capital punishment for a second year running.

No fewer than 347 people have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, per data from a London-based advocacy organization that monitors such proceedings.

This figure tops the number of 345 recorded in 2024, marking what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since records started."

The latest individuals to be executed were two Pakistani nationals convicted on drug-related offences.

Breakdown of the Sentences

Others put to death include a journalist and two young men who were minors at the time of their reported acts connected to dissent.

A total of five were female prisoners. Yet, per the monitoring group, the largest portion—approximately two-thirds—were sentenced for non-lethal substance violations.

International bodies have declared that applying the ultimate sentence for such violations is "incompatible with international human rights standards."

Over 50% of those subjected to capital punishment were foreign nationals, ensnared in what is described as a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

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

The official further characterized coerced admissions and abuse as "widespread" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Human Stories

Among those executed recently was a young national of Egypt, taken into custody in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was coerced into trafficking narcotics.

Relatives of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have given accounts privately the "dread" they now live in.

"The only time of the week that I rest is on those two days because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," a family member said.

Other prisoners have reportedly witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged kicking and screaming to their death."

Broader Context

The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has presided over profound social changes, easing some rules while concurrently silencing criticism.

Even as the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to international observers.

"There have been no consequences for carrying out these executions," commented a analyst focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with little backlash."

Reports suggest families of the deceased are often given no prior notice, refused custody, and not informed about the location of graves.

Calls for Action

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

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

Notable instances have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their charged acts and a journalist executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"The death penalty against media workers is a frightening blow on freedom of expression," said a international agency head.

In a formal letter to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture."

The letter continued that the capital punishment is applied solely for the "gravest offences" and after exhausting all legal processes.