Human Rights Organizations Decry Unprecedented High in Executions in the Kingdom

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

No fewer than 347 individuals have been put to death so far this year, according to a British advocacy organization that records such proceedings.

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

The latest people put to death involved two Pakistani nationals sentenced on drug-related offences.

Details on the Executions

Further cases this year comprised a journalist and two youths who were minors at the time of their reported protest-related crimes.

Five of those were female prisoners. But, per the monitoring group, the vast bulk—around two-thirds—were found guilty for non-violent drug-related offences.

Global organizations have said that applying the ultimate sentence for such violations is "violates international human rights standards."

Over 50% of those put to death were individuals from other countries, implicated in what appears to be a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with complete impunity now," said a head of the monitoring group. "It's almost ridiculing the international rights framework."

The official further labeled coerced admissions and abuse as "widespread" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Individual Cases

Among those put to death this week was a young fisherman from Egypt, arrested in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was forced into carrying illegal substances.

Family members of men on death row for drug charges have given accounts privately the "fear" they now live in.

"The sole period of the week that I sleep is on those two days because there are no executions on those days," an individual recounted.

Fellow inmates have allegedly seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "led resisting violently to their death."

Political Climate

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has overseen profound social changes, loosening some rules while at the same time silencing criticism.

Although the country has opened up in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "poor" according to rights groups.

"No price has been paid for going ahead with these executions," noted a researcher focusing on the region. "Major events continue with minimal fallout."

Reports suggest families of the executed are often not informed in advance, not given the remains, and left unaware of where they are interred.

Calls for Action

A global human rights official has called for an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual abolition.

The expert also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international standards," including access to lawyers and consular access for detainees from abroad.

Notable instances have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their reported offences and a journalist executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"The death penalty against journalists is a deeply concerning assault on free speech," stated a senior UN cultural official.

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

The response continued that the death penalty is imposed only for the "most serious crimes" and after completing all legal processes.