Human Rights Organizations Condemn New Record in Death Sentences in Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom has surpassed its previous yearly high for the number of executions for a second straight year.
A minimum of 347 people have been put to death so far this year, as reported by a London-based campaign group that tracks such cases.
This figure exceeds the final count of 345 noted in 2024, representing what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated."
The most recent individuals to be executed were two Pakistani nationals found guilty on drug-related offences.
Analysis of the Sentences
Others put to death comprised a media professional and two young men who were underage at the time of their reported acts connected to dissent.
Five were women. But, per the monitoring group, the majority—about two-thirds—were sentenced for non-lethal narcotics charges.
The United Nations have declared that applying the capital punishment for such crimes is "contrary to international human rights standards."
Over 50% of those executed were non-Saudi citizens, implicated in what has been labeled a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.
"The kingdom is functioning with complete impunity now," remarked a official of the campaign. "It's almost making a mockery of the human rights system."
The advocate further labeled coerced admissions and abuse as "systemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "severe and random suppression."
Human Stories
Among those put to death this week was a young Egyptian fisherman, detained in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was coerced into trafficking narcotics.
Relatives of men on death row for drug charges have described the "terror" they now live in.
"The only time of the week that I find peace is on the weekend because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," one relative stated.
Other prisoners have according to accounts witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken kicking and screaming to their death."
Wider Backdrop
The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has overseen significant societal reforms, loosening some restrictions while at the same time silencing criticism.
Even as the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "poor" according to international observers.
"There have been no consequences for proceeding with these executions," said a expert focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with little backlash."
Reports suggest families of the condemned are typically not informed in advance, denied the bodies, and not told burial sites.
Global Condemnation
A global human rights official has urged an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual elimination.
The rapporteur also stressed the need for "full compliance with international protections," including access to lawyers and embassy contact for detainees from abroad.
Particular executions have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their alleged crimes and a journalist executed on terrorism and treason charges.
"Executions against members of the press is a chilling attack on press freedom," said a leading UNESCO figure.
In a written response to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture."
The communication further stated that the ultimate sentence is used exclusively for the "most serious crimes" and after exhausting all judicial proceedings.
