Human Rights Organizations Decry Unprecedented High in Death Sentences in the Gulf State

The Kingdom has exceeded its previous yearly high for the number of executions for a second consecutive year.

A minimum of 347 individuals have been executed so far this year, per data from a British advocacy organization that monitors such sentences.

This figure exceeds the number of 345 documented in 2024, representing what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated."

The newest cases carried out were two individuals from Pakistan sentenced on drug-related offences.

Details on the Sentences

Additional individuals executed involved a journalist and two individuals who were children at the time of their reported protest-related crimes.

A total of five were female prisoners. But, per the monitoring group, the vast bulk—about two-thirds—were found guilty for not involving murder drug-related offences.

The United Nations have said that applying the capital punishment for such violations is "violates international human rights standards."

More than half of those subjected to capital punishment were non-Saudi citizens, implicated in what is described as a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

"The kingdom is functioning with complete impunity now," stated a head of the campaign. "It's almost making a mockery of the human rights system."

The official further labeled coerced admissions and abuse as "systemic" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Individual Cases

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young Egyptian fisherman, arrested in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was forced into trafficking narcotics.

Loved ones of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have given accounts privately 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 reportedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged kicking and screaming to their death."

Political Climate

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has presided over significant societal reforms, easing some rules while concurrently silencing criticism.

Although the country has become more accessible in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to global watchdogs.

"There's been no cost for proceeding with these executions," said a analyst focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with minimal fallout."

Allegations suggest families of the executed are often given no prior notice, refused custody, and not informed about the location of graves.

International Response

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

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international protections," including representation and consular access for detainees from abroad.

Notable instances have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their reported offences and a reporter executed on national security allegations.

"Executions against journalists is a deeply concerning assault on free speech," said a senior UN cultural official.

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

The response added that the death penalty is applied solely for the "gravest offences" and after completing all judicial proceedings.