🔗 Share this article Human Rights Organizations Decry Unprecedented High in Death Sentences in Saudi Arabia An Egyptian fisherman was among those executed this year. The Kingdom has broken its prior execution tally for the use of capital punishment for a second year running. A minimum of 347 persons have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, per data from a British advocacy organization that records such proceedings. This figure is higher than the final count of 345 recorded in 2024, making it what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated." The latest people put to death were two Pakistani nationals convicted on drug-related offences. Breakdown of the Cases Additional individuals executed comprised a media professional and two individuals who were underage at the time of their claimed acts connected to dissent. Five of those were female. However, according to the monitoring group, the majority—about two-thirds—were sentenced for not involving murder substance violations. International bodies have declared that applying the capital punishment for such violations is "contrary to international law and principles." A majority of those executed were individuals from other countries, caught up in what appears to be a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom. "Saudi Arabia is operating with absolute immunity now," remarked a head of the campaign. "It's almost ridiculing the global justice mechanism." The official further characterized coerced admissions and abuse as "widespread" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown." Personal Accounts Among those put to death this week was a young Egyptian fisherman, arrested in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was forced into carrying illegal substances. Family members of men on death row for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "dread" they now live in. "The single occasion of the week that I sleep is on Friday and Saturday because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," an individual recounted. Cellmates have allegedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged resisting violently to their death." Wider Backdrop The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has led significant societal reforms, relaxing some rules while concurrently cracking down on dissent. Although the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "poor" according to international observers. "No price has been paid for carrying out these executions," said a researcher focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with minimal fallout." Allegations suggest families of the executed are often given no prior notice, not given the remains, and not told burial sites. Calls for Action A global human rights official has urged an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual elimination. The expert also stressed the need for "full compliance with international standards," including representation and embassy contact for detainees from abroad. Particular executions have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their reported offences and a writer executed on claims of disloyalty. "Capital punishment against journalists is a chilling attack on freedom of expression," declared a international agency head. In a formal letter to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture." The letter further stated that the capital punishment is applied solely for the "most serious crimes" and after completing all legal processes.
An Egyptian fisherman was among those executed this year. The Kingdom has broken its prior execution tally for the use of capital punishment for a second year running. A minimum of 347 persons have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, per data from a British advocacy organization that records such proceedings. This figure is higher than the final count of 345 recorded in 2024, making it what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated." The latest people put to death were two Pakistani nationals convicted on drug-related offences. Breakdown of the Cases Additional individuals executed comprised a media professional and two individuals who were underage at the time of their claimed acts connected to dissent. Five of those were female. However, according to the monitoring group, the majority—about two-thirds—were sentenced for not involving murder substance violations. International bodies have declared that applying the capital punishment for such violations is "contrary to international law and principles." A majority of those executed were individuals from other countries, caught up in what appears to be a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom. "Saudi Arabia is operating with absolute immunity now," remarked a head of the campaign. "It's almost ridiculing the global justice mechanism." The official further characterized coerced admissions and abuse as "widespread" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown." Personal Accounts Among those put to death this week was a young Egyptian fisherman, arrested in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was forced into carrying illegal substances. Family members of men on death row for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "dread" they now live in. "The single occasion of the week that I sleep is on Friday and Saturday because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," an individual recounted. Cellmates have allegedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged resisting violently to their death." Wider Backdrop The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has led significant societal reforms, relaxing some rules while concurrently cracking down on dissent. Although the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "poor" according to international observers. "No price has been paid for carrying out these executions," said a researcher focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with minimal fallout." Allegations suggest families of the executed are often given no prior notice, not given the remains, and not told burial sites. Calls for Action A global human rights official has urged an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual elimination. The expert also stressed the need for "full compliance with international standards," including representation and embassy contact for detainees from abroad. Particular executions have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their reported offences and a writer executed on claims of disloyalty. "Capital punishment against journalists is a chilling attack on freedom of expression," declared a international agency head. In a formal letter to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture." The letter further stated that the capital punishment is applied solely for the "most serious crimes" and after completing all legal processes.