Advocacy Organizations Denounce Historic Peak in Executions in the Gulf State

The nation has broken its previous yearly high for the carrying out of death sentences for a second straight year.

At least 347 persons have been put to death so far this year, according to a British campaign group that monitors such cases.

This figure is higher than the total of 345 documented in 2024, marking what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The newest cases carried out included two individuals from Pakistan found guilty on charges related to narcotics.

Analysis of the Executions

Additional individuals executed include a reporter and two youths who were minors at the time of their reported offences linked to demonstrations.

Five were female. But, as stated by the monitoring group, the majority—about two-thirds—were sentenced for non-violent substance violations.

Global organizations have said that applying the ultimate sentence for such violations is "incompatible with international law and principles."

A majority of those subjected to capital punishment were non-Saudi citizens, implicated in what has been labeled a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with complete impunity now," said a official of the monitoring group. "It's almost ridiculing the international rights framework."

The official further labeled torture and forced confessions as "widespread" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Individual Cases

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young fisherman from Egypt, arrested in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was pressured into trafficking narcotics.

Loved ones of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "terror" they now live in.

"The only time of the week that I find peace is on Friday and Saturday because there are no death sentences carried out on those days," one relative stated.

Cellmates have reportedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "led resisting violently to their death."

Broader Context

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has led profound social changes, easing some limitations while concurrently silencing criticism.

Although the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to global watchdogs.

"No price has been paid for going ahead with these executions," commented a researcher focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with minimal fallout."

Allegations suggest families of the condemned are typically left in the dark, denied the bodies, and left unaware of burial sites.

International Response

A United Nations expert has urged an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual elimination.

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international safeguards," including representation and embassy contact for foreign nationals.

Notable instances have drawn particular ire, 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 members of the press is a frightening blow on freedom of expression," declared a senior UN cultural official.

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

The letter further stated that the death penalty is imposed only for the "heinous violations" and after completing all judicial proceedings.