Rights Groups Condemn Historic Peak in Executions in the Kingdom

The nation has broken its prior execution tally for the carrying out of death sentences for a second year running.

A minimum of 347 individuals have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, according to a London-based campaign group that records such proceedings.

This figure is higher than the final count of 345 documented in 2024, marking what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The latest individuals to be executed involved two citizens of Pakistan convicted on illegal substance violations.

Breakdown of the Cases

Further cases this year comprised a media professional and two young men who were underage at the time of their alleged offences linked to demonstrations.

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

The United Nations have declared that applying the ultimate sentence for such violations is "contrary to international human rights standards."

More than half of those executed were individuals from other countries, ensnared in what is described as a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with total disregard now," said a official of the rights organization. "It's almost making a mockery of the global justice mechanism."

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

Individual Cases

Among those put to death this week was a young national of Egypt, arrested in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was forced into smuggling drugs.

Family members of men on death row for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "fear" they now live in.

"The single occasion of the week that I sleep is on the weekend because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," a family member said.

Fellow inmates have according to accounts seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "led in protest to their death."

Broader Context

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has presided over significant societal reforms, relaxing some limitations while at the same time silencing criticism.

While the country has opened up in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to global watchdogs.

"There's been no cost for proceeding with these executions," noted a expert focusing on the region. "Major events continue with little backlash."

Reports suggest families of the condemned are typically not informed in advance, refused custody, and not informed about burial sites.

Calls for Action

A global human rights official has demanded an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual an end to the practice.

The expert also stressed the need for "full compliance with international safeguards," including access to lawyers and consular access for foreign nationals.

Specific cases have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their reported offences and a writer executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"The death penalty against journalists is a chilling attack on free speech," stated a international agency head.

In a formal letter to international queries, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture."

The letter continued that the death penalty is imposed only for the "heinous violations" and after completing all legal processes.