Rights Groups Condemn Historic Peak in Capital Punishment in the Gulf State

The nation has exceeded its prior execution tally for the use of capital punishment for a second consecutive year.

No fewer than 347 persons have been put to death so far this year, according to a London-based campaign group that records such cases.

This figure exceeds the total of 345 documented in 2024, representing what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The newest individuals to be executed were two Pakistani nationals sentenced on illegal substance violations.

Details on the Cases

Others put to death include a media professional and two individuals who were children at the time of their alleged offences linked to demonstrations.

A total of five were female prisoners. Yet, per the monitoring group, the majority—approximately two-thirds—were sentenced for non-lethal drug-related offences.

International bodies have stated that applying the death penalty for such offences is "violates international law and principles."

More than half of those executed were non-Saudi citizens, ensnared in what has been labeled a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with absolute immunity now," remarked a representative of the monitoring group. "It's almost flouting the international rights framework."

The advocate further characterized torture and forced confessions as "systemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Personal Accounts

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young Egyptian fisherman, taken into custody in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was coerced into smuggling drugs.

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

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

Other prisoners have reportedly seen 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 significant societal reforms, easing some rules while concurrently suppressing opposition.

While the country has opened up in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to international observers.

"There's been no cost for proceeding with these executions," commented a researcher focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with little backlash."

Reports suggest families of the executed are often left in the dark, not given the remains, and left unaware of the location of graves.

Calls for Action

A global human rights official has called for an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual an end to the practice.

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international safeguards," including representation and consular access for non-citizens.

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

"Executions against members of the press is a deeply concerning assault on press freedom," said a leading UNESCO figure.

In a official communication to international queries, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture."

The letter further stated that the ultimate sentence is used exclusively for the "most serious crimes" and after exhausting all judicial proceedings.