Advocacy Organizations Condemn New Record in Capital Punishment in the Kingdom

The Kingdom has exceeded its own annual record for the carrying out of death sentences for a second straight year.

At least 347 individuals have been executed so far this year, per data from a London-based advocacy organization that records such proceedings.

This figure tops the final count of 345 documented in 2024, making it what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since records started."

The most recent cases carried out involved two Pakistani nationals sentenced on charges related to narcotics.

Analysis of the Sentences

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

Five were female prisoners. Yet, per the monitoring group, the largest portion—about two-thirds—were convicted for not involving murder drug-related offences.

International bodies have said that applying the capital punishment for such violations is "contrary to international law and principles."

Over 50% of those put to death were non-Saudi citizens, ensnared in what has been labeled a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

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

The advocate further labeled torture and forced confessions as "endemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Individual Cases

Among those put to death this week was a young national of Egypt, arrested in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was forced into trafficking narcotics.

Loved ones of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have described the "fear" they now live in.

"The single occasion of the week that I find peace is on Friday and Saturday because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," one relative stated.

Other prisoners have reportedly seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken resisting violently to their death."

Political Climate

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has led profound social changes, relaxing some rules while simultaneously suppressing opposition.

While the country has opened up in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to global watchdogs.

"There have been no consequences for going ahead with these executions," noted a expert focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with little backlash."

Claims suggest families of the condemned are usually left in the dark, not given the remains, and not told burial sites.

International Response

A UN special rapporteur has urged an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual abolition.

The official also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international protections," including legal assistance and diplomatic support for foreign nationals.

Notable instances have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their charged acts and a journalist executed on national security allegations.

"Capital punishment against media workers is a deeply concerning assault on freedom of expression," said a senior UN cultural official.

In a written response to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture."

The communication continued that the ultimate sentence is used exclusively for the "most serious crimes" and after concluding all judicial proceedings.