🔗 Share this article Human Rights Organizations Denounce New Record in Capital Punishment in the Kingdom An Egyptian fisherman was among those executed this year. The Kingdom has surpassed its prior execution tally for the carrying out of death sentences for a second year running. A minimum of 347 individuals have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, per data from a British rights monitor that tracks such sentences. This figure tops the total of 345 noted in 2024, making it what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began." The most recent individuals to be executed involved two individuals from Pakistan convicted on drug-related offences. Breakdown of the Executions Others put to death include a reporter and two young men who were minors at the time of their reported protest-related crimes. Five were female prisoners. But, as stated by the monitoring group, the majority—around two-thirds—were found guilty for not involving murder drug-related offences. International bodies have said that applying the death penalty for such crimes is "violates international norms and standards." Over 50% of those executed were individuals from other countries, ensnared in what is described as a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom. "Saudi Arabia is operating with total disregard now," said a official of the campaign. "It's almost making a mockery of the human rights system." The representative further labeled extracted statements through mistreatment 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 national of Egypt, taken into custody in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was forced into trafficking narcotics. Loved ones of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "dread" they now live in. "The single occasion of the week that I find peace is on Friday and Saturday because there are no executions on those days," an individual recounted. Fellow inmates have according to accounts observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged resisting violently to their death." Broader Context The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has led major shifts in policy, loosening some limitations while concurrently silencing criticism. Although the country has become more accessible in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to rights groups. "There's been no cost for proceeding with these executions," said a analyst focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with little backlash." Reports suggest families of the executed are typically given no prior notice, refused custody, and left unaware of burial sites. International Response A United Nations expert has urged an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual elimination. The expert also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international standards," including legal assistance and embassy contact for foreign nationals. Notable instances have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their alleged crimes and a writer executed on national security allegations. "The death penalty against media workers is a chilling attack on free speech," said a senior UN cultural official. In a formal letter to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture." The communication added that the capital punishment is applied solely for the "most serious crimes" and after exhausting all judicial proceedings.
An Egyptian fisherman was among those executed this year. The Kingdom has surpassed its prior execution tally for the carrying out of death sentences for a second year running. A minimum of 347 individuals have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, per data from a British rights monitor that tracks such sentences. This figure tops the total of 345 noted in 2024, making it what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began." The most recent individuals to be executed involved two individuals from Pakistan convicted on drug-related offences. Breakdown of the Executions Others put to death include a reporter and two young men who were minors at the time of their reported protest-related crimes. Five were female prisoners. But, as stated by the monitoring group, the majority—around two-thirds—were found guilty for not involving murder drug-related offences. International bodies have said that applying the death penalty for such crimes is "violates international norms and standards." Over 50% of those executed were individuals from other countries, ensnared in what is described as a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom. "Saudi Arabia is operating with total disregard now," said a official of the campaign. "It's almost making a mockery of the human rights system." The representative further labeled extracted statements through mistreatment 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 national of Egypt, taken into custody in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was forced into trafficking narcotics. Loved ones of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "dread" they now live in. "The single occasion of the week that I find peace is on Friday and Saturday because there are no executions on those days," an individual recounted. Fellow inmates have according to accounts observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged resisting violently to their death." Broader Context The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has led major shifts in policy, loosening some limitations while concurrently silencing criticism. Although the country has become more accessible in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to rights groups. "There's been no cost for proceeding with these executions," said a analyst focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with little backlash." Reports suggest families of the executed are typically given no prior notice, refused custody, and left unaware of burial sites. International Response A United Nations expert has urged an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual elimination. The expert also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international standards," including legal assistance and embassy contact for foreign nationals. Notable instances have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their alleged crimes and a writer executed on national security allegations. "The death penalty against media workers is a chilling attack on free speech," said a senior UN cultural official. In a formal letter to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture." The communication added that the capital punishment is applied solely for the "most serious crimes" and after exhausting all judicial proceedings.