Advocacy Organizations Decry New Record in Capital Punishment in the Kingdom

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

A minimum of 347 people have been executed so far this year, per data from a UK-based rights monitor that records such cases.

This figure tops the number of 345 noted in 2024, marking what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The most recent individuals to be executed included two individuals from Pakistan sentenced on charges related to narcotics.

Details on the Executions

Additional individuals executed include a media professional and two young men who were minors at the time of their reported acts connected to dissent.

Five were women. But, according to the monitoring group, the majority—approximately two-thirds—were sentenced for non-violent narcotics charges.

The United Nations have declared that applying the death penalty for such crimes is "incompatible with international law and principles."

Over 50% 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 complete impunity now," said a official of the rights organization. "It's almost making a mockery of the international rights framework."

The advocate further labeled coerced admissions and abuse as "endemic" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Personal Accounts

Among those executed recently was a young national of Egypt, detained in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was coerced into trafficking narcotics.

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

"The only time of the week that I sleep is on those two days because there are no death sentences carried out on those days," an individual recounted.

Fellow inmates have according to accounts observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "led in protest to their death."

Broader Context

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has led significant societal reforms, relaxing some restrictions while concurrently suppressing opposition.

While the country has opened up in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to rights groups.

"There have been no consequences for carrying out these executions," noted a expert focusing on the region. "Major events continue with no repercussions."

Reports suggest families of the deceased are typically left in the dark, refused custody, and not told where they are interred.

Global Condemnation

A global human rights official has called for an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual elimination.

The official also stressed the need for "full compliance with international safeguards," including representation and embassy contact for non-citizens.

Notable instances have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their alleged crimes and a reporter executed on claims of disloyalty.

"The death penalty against members of the press is a frightening blow on free speech," declared a senior UN cultural official.

In a official communication to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture."

The communication further stated that the ultimate sentence is imposed only for the "gravest offences" and after completing all legal processes.