Human Rights Organizations Decry New Record in Executions in the Gulf State

The nation has broken its prior execution tally for the number of executions for a second year running.

At least 347 individuals have been executed so far this year, as reported by a British rights monitor that tracks such cases.

This figure tops the total of 345 documented in 2024, representing what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated."

The latest cases carried out were two citizens of Pakistan sentenced on illegal substance violations.

Details on the Cases

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

A total of five were female. However, according to the monitoring group, the largest portion—approximately two-thirds—were convicted for non-violent substance violations.

International bodies have said that applying the ultimate sentence for such offences is "incompatible with international human rights standards."

More than half of those subjected to capital punishment were foreign nationals, caught up in what is described as a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with total disregard now," said a head of the campaign. "It's almost ridiculing the international rights framework."

The advocate further characterized extracted statements through mistreatment as "widespread" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign."

Personal Accounts

Among those executed recently was a young Egyptian fisherman, taken into custody in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was pressured into smuggling drugs.

Relatives of men on death row for drug charges have described the "terror" they now live in.

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

Cellmates have according to accounts seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken resisting violently to their death."

Broader Context

The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has led significant societal reforms, loosening some rules while simultaneously cracking down on dissent.

Even as the country has become more accessible in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to global watchdogs.

"There's been no cost for going ahead with these executions," noted a expert focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with little backlash."

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

International Response

A United Nations expert has urged an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual elimination.

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international standards," including legal assistance and consular access for non-citizens.

Specific cases have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their reported offences and a journalist executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"Executions against members of the press is a frightening blow on freedom of expression," stated a international agency head.

In a written response to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture."

The letter continued that the capital punishment is imposed only for the "gravest offences" and after exhausting all court appeals.