Advocacy Organizations Decry Unprecedented High in Capital Punishment in the Kingdom

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

A minimum of 347 persons have been put to death so far this year, according to a British campaign group that records such proceedings.

This figure tops the final count of 345 recorded in 2024, making it what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since records started."

The most recent people put to death were two citizens of Pakistan convicted on drug-related offences.

Breakdown of the Executions

Further cases this year include a reporter and two youths who were children at the time of their claimed offences linked to demonstrations.

A total of five were female. Yet, according to the monitoring group, the majority—around two-thirds—were found guilty for non-violent drug-related offences.

International bodies have said that applying the capital punishment for such violations is "incompatible with international human rights standards."

More than half of those executed were individuals from other countries, implicated in what has been labeled a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

"The kingdom is functioning with absolute immunity now," said a head of the monitoring group. "It's almost flouting the human rights system."

The official further labeled torture and forced confessions as "endemic" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Individual Cases

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young national of Egypt, detained in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was coerced into smuggling drugs.

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

"The sole period of the week that I find peace is on the weekend because there are no executions on those days," one relative stated.

Other prisoners have reportedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged kicking and screaming to their death."

Political Climate

The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has overseen significant societal reforms, easing some limitations while at the same time suppressing opposition.

Even as the country has become more accessible in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to rights groups.

"There have been no consequences for carrying out these executions," commented a expert focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with minimal fallout."

Reports suggest families of the executed are often given no prior notice, refused custody, and not informed about burial sites.

International Response

A UN special rapporteur has called for an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual elimination.

The official also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international safeguards," including access to lawyers and embassy contact for non-citizens.

Specific cases have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their charged acts and a reporter executed on national security allegations.

"Executions 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 stated that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture."

The communication continued that the capital punishment is imposed only for the "heinous violations" and after exhausting all judicial proceedings.