Advocacy Organizations Denounce Unprecedented High in Death Sentences in Saudi Arabia

The nation has broken its own annual record for the number of executions for a second straight year.

At least 347 persons have been executed so far this year, as reported by a London-based advocacy organization that tracks such proceedings.

This figure is higher than the number of 345 recorded in 2024, marking what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated."

The most recent people put to death included two citizens of Pakistan convicted on drug-related offences.

Breakdown of the Executions

Additional individuals executed involved a media professional and two youths who were children at the time of their claimed acts connected to dissent.

Five were women. However, as stated by the monitoring group, the vast bulk—about two-thirds—were found guilty for non-violent drug-related offences.

International bodies have declared that applying the ultimate sentence for such crimes is "contrary to international human rights standards."

More than half of those put to death were individuals from other countries, ensnared in what appears to be a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

"Saudi Arabia is operating with complete impunity now," said a head of the monitoring group. "It's almost ridiculing the global justice mechanism."

The advocate further characterized coerced admissions and abuse as "endemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign."

Individual Cases

Among those put to death this week was a young Egyptian fisherman, detained in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was coerced into trafficking narcotics.

Family members of men on death row for drug charges have described the "dread" they now live in.

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

Other prisoners have allegedly seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken in protest to their death."

Broader Context

The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has presided over significant societal reforms, loosening some restrictions while at the same time 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," noted a expert focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with little backlash."

Allegations suggest families of the executed are usually not informed in advance, refused custody, and not informed about burial sites.

Global Condemnation

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

The official also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international safeguards," including legal assistance and diplomatic support for foreign nationals.

Specific cases have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their alleged crimes and a writer executed on claims of disloyalty.

"Executions against members of the press is a deeply concerning assault on freedom of expression," declared a international agency head.

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

The response added that the ultimate sentence is applied solely for the "heinous violations" and after completing all judicial proceedings.