Advocacy Organizations Denounce New Record in Death Sentences in Saudi Arabia

The nation has exceeded its previous yearly high for the use of capital punishment for a second straight year.

No fewer than 347 people have been executed so far this year, according to a London-based advocacy organization that monitors such cases.

This figure tops the number of 345 noted in 2024, marking what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated."

The newest people put to death included two citizens of Pakistan sentenced on drug-related offences.

Details on the Sentences

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

A total of five were women. Yet, per the monitoring group, the vast bulk—approximately two-thirds—were convicted for non-violent substance violations.

International bodies have said that applying the ultimate sentence for such offences is "contrary to international norms and standards."

More than half of those put to death were non-Saudi citizens, caught up in what has been labeled a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The kingdom is functioning with absolute immunity now," said a official of the rights organization. "It's almost ridiculing the human rights system."

The official further described coerced admissions and abuse as "endemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Human Stories

Among those executed recently was a young national of Egypt, detained in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was forced into trafficking narcotics.

Family members of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "dread" they now live in.

"The only time of the week that I find peace is on those two days because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," one relative stated.

Other prisoners have reportedly witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged resisting violently to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has presided over major shifts in policy, relaxing some rules while at the same time cracking down on dissent.

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

"There's been no cost for going ahead with these executions," commented a analyst focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with minimal fallout."

Reports suggest families of the executed are usually left in the dark, denied the bodies, and left unaware of burial sites.

International Response

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

The expert also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international protections," including representation and embassy contact for detainees from abroad.

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

"Capital punishment against media workers is a chilling attack on press freedom," stated a senior UN cultural official.

In a formal letter to international queries, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture."

The communication further stated that the capital punishment is applied solely for the "heinous violations" and after completing all legal processes.