Advocacy Organizations Denounce Historic Peak in Executions in the Gulf State

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

At least 347 people have been put to death so far this year, per data from a British rights monitor that monitors such proceedings.

This figure exceeds the total of 345 noted in 2024, making it what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The most recent individuals to be executed involved two Pakistani nationals found guilty on charges related to narcotics.

Details on the Sentences

Others put to death involved a media professional and two young men who were children at the time of their claimed acts connected to dissent.

Five of those were female. However, according to the monitoring group, the largest portion—approximately two-thirds—were found guilty for not involving murder narcotics charges.

Global organizations have stated that applying the ultimate sentence for such violations is "incompatible with international human rights standards."

More than half of those executed were individuals from other countries, caught up in what appears to be a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The kingdom is functioning with absolute immunity now," said a representative of the rights organization. "It's almost making a mockery of the international rights framework."

The representative further characterized torture and forced confessions as "widespread" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign."

Personal Accounts

Among those put to death this week was a young Egyptian fisherman, detained in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was coerced into smuggling drugs.

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

"The only time of the week that I sleep is on those two days because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," an individual recounted.

Other prisoners have according to accounts observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged in protest to their death."

Broader Context

The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has overseen major shifts in policy, easing some restrictions while simultaneously silencing criticism.

While the country has become more accessible in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to international observers.

"No price has been paid for proceeding with these executions," commented a expert focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with little backlash."

Reports suggest families of the executed are typically given no prior notice, not given the remains, and left unaware of where they are interred.

Global Condemnation

A global human rights official has demanded an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual elimination.

The expert also stressed the need for "full compliance with international protections," including access to lawyers and diplomatic support for foreign nationals.

Particular executions have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their reported offences and a journalist executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"Capital punishment against members of the press is a frightening blow on press freedom," stated a international agency head.

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

The letter continued that the ultimate sentence is imposed only for the "gravest offences" and after concluding all legal processes.