Advocacy Organizations Denounce New Record in Capital Punishment in Saudi Arabia

The nation has broken its prior execution tally for the use of capital punishment for a second straight year.

No fewer than 347 people have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, according to a London-based advocacy organization that records such sentences.

This figure tops the total of 345 documented in 2024, marking what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The latest individuals to be executed were two individuals from Pakistan convicted on illegal substance violations.

Breakdown of the Sentences

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

Five of those were women. Yet, as stated by the monitoring group, the largest portion—around two-thirds—were found guilty for not involving murder drug-related offences.

The United Nations have said that applying the ultimate sentence for such violations is "contrary to international norms and standards."

Over 50% of those executed were non-Saudi citizens, ensnared in what has been labeled a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with total disregard now," remarked a official of the campaign. "It's almost making a mockery of the human rights system."

The representative further described torture and forced confessions as "systemic" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Individual Cases

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young national of Egypt, detained in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was coerced into carrying illegal substances.

Loved ones of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have given accounts privately the "fear" they now live in.

"The only time of the week that I rest is on those two days because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," a family member said.

Other prisoners have according to accounts witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged kicking and screaming to their death."

Broader Context

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has led profound social changes, relaxing some restrictions while simultaneously cracking down on dissent.

Although the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to international observers.

"There's been no cost for proceeding with these executions," commented a researcher focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with no repercussions."

Allegations suggest families of the executed are usually not informed in advance, not given the remains, and not told burial sites.

Calls for Action

A United Nations expert has called for an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual abolition.

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

Particular executions have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their reported offences and a writer executed on claims of disloyalty.

"Capital punishment against journalists is a chilling attack on free speech," said a senior UN cultural official.

In a formal letter to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture."

The response added that the ultimate sentence is imposed only for the "heinous violations" and after completing all legal processes.