Rights Groups Condemn Historic Peak in Death Sentences in the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia has broken its previous yearly high for the carrying out of death sentences for a second consecutive year.

At least 347 individuals have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, per data from a London-based advocacy organization that records such sentences.

This figure tops the total of 345 recorded in 2024, representing what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since records started."

The latest people put to death included two individuals from Pakistan found guilty on drug-related offences.

Details on the Sentences

Additional individuals executed include a reporter and two youths who were children at the time of their alleged offences linked to demonstrations.

A total of five were women. Yet, according to the monitoring group, the majority—approximately two-thirds—were convicted for non-violent substance violations.

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

A majority of those executed were foreign nationals, ensnared in what appears to be a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The kingdom is functioning with absolute immunity now," said a official of the campaign. "It's almost ridiculing the global justice mechanism."

The representative further characterized extracted statements through mistreatment as "systemic" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign."

Personal Accounts

Among those put to death this week was a young Egyptian fisherman, arrested in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was pressured into trafficking narcotics.

Relatives 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 rest is on the weekend because there are no executions on those days," an individual recounted.

Cellmates have reportedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken resisting violently to their death."

Broader Context

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has overseen profound social changes, easing some restrictions while simultaneously cracking down on dissent.

While the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to international observers.

"No price has been paid for carrying out these executions," noted a expert focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with little backlash."

Reports suggest families of the condemned are often not informed in advance, not given the remains, and not informed about burial sites.

International Response

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

The expert also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international protections," including access to lawyers and diplomatic support for foreign nationals.

Specific cases have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their reported offences and a journalist executed on claims of disloyalty.

"Capital punishment against journalists is a frightening blow on freedom of expression," declared a international agency head.

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 letter added that the capital punishment is applied solely for the "most serious crimes" and after exhausting all legal processes.