Human Rights Organizations Condemn New Record in Death Sentences in the Kingdom
The Kingdom has broken its previous yearly high for the number of executions for a second consecutive year.
No fewer than 347 persons have been put to death so far this year, per data from a British campaign group that monitors such sentences.
This figure is higher than the final count of 345 noted in 2024, representing what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since records started."
The newest individuals to be executed included two individuals from Pakistan convicted on charges related to narcotics.
Breakdown of the Cases
Others put to death comprised a media professional and two young men who were minors at the time of their alleged protest-related crimes.
A total of five were female. Yet, per the monitoring group, the majority—around two-thirds—were found guilty for non-lethal substance violations.
The United Nations have said that applying the capital punishment for such offences is "contrary to international law and principles."
A majority of those executed were foreign nationals, implicated in what is described as a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.
"The authorities are acting with total disregard now," stated a official of the monitoring group. "It's almost ridiculing the global justice mechanism."
The advocate further described torture and forced confessions as "systemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "severe and random suppression."
Individual Cases
Among those put to death this week was a young national of Egypt, taken into custody in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was coerced into smuggling drugs.
Family members of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "dread" they now live in.
"The sole period of the week that I sleep is on Friday and Saturday because there are no death sentences carried out on those days," a family member said.
Other prisoners have allegedly seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged resisting violently 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 restrictions while simultaneously suppressing opposition.
Even as the country has opened up in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to rights groups.
"No price has been paid for going ahead with these executions," noted a expert focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with no repercussions."
Reports suggest families of the deceased are often given no prior notice, refused custody, and not informed about burial sites.
Global Condemnation
A global human rights official has called for an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual elimination.
The rapporteur also stressed the need for "full compliance with international safeguards," including legal assistance and diplomatic support for foreign nationals.
Notable instances have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their charged acts and a journalist executed on terrorism and treason charges.
"The death penalty against members of the press is a deeply concerning assault on freedom of expression," declared a senior UN cultural official.
In a official communication to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture."
The communication added that the death penalty is applied solely for the "heinous violations" and after exhausting all judicial proceedings.
