Advocacy Organizations Condemn Unprecedented High in Death Sentences in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom has surpassed its prior execution tally for the carrying out of death sentences for a second straight year.

At least 347 persons have been executed so far this year, as reported by a London-based rights monitor that monitors such sentences.

This figure tops the final count of 345 recorded in 2024, representing what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since records started."

The newest cases carried out included two citizens of Pakistan sentenced on drug-related offences.

Breakdown of the Sentences

Additional individuals executed involved a reporter and two youths who were underage at the time of their alleged offences linked to demonstrations.

Five were female. But, according to the monitoring group, the largest portion—approximately two-thirds—were found guilty for not involving murder substance violations.

Global organizations have said that applying the death penalty for such crimes is "violates international human rights standards."

A majority of those put to death were foreign nationals, caught up in what is described as a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

"The kingdom is functioning with total disregard now," said a representative of the rights organization. "It's almost flouting the global justice mechanism."

The official further described coerced admissions and abuse as "systemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign."

Personal Accounts

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

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

"The sole period of the week that I find peace is on those two days because there are no executions on those days," a family member said.

Other prisoners have according to accounts witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "led kicking and screaming to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has presided over major shifts in policy, relaxing some limitations while simultaneously cracking down on dissent.

While the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to global watchdogs.

"There have been no consequences for proceeding with these executions," noted a researcher focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with minimal fallout."

Allegations suggest families of the deceased are usually not informed in advance, not given the remains, and not told where they are interred.

International Response

A UN special rapporteur has demanded an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual abolition.

The official also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international protections," including access to lawyers and consular access for non-citizens.

Specific cases have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their alleged crimes and a reporter executed on national security allegations.

"The death penalty against media workers is a chilling attack on freedom of expression," stated a senior UN cultural official.

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

The communication added that the capital punishment is applied solely for the "heinous violations" and after concluding all legal processes.