🔗 Share this article Advocacy Organizations Condemn New Record in Death Sentences in the Gulf State A recent case involved an Egyptian national on drug charges. The nation has broken its previous yearly high for the use of capital punishment for a second consecutive year. No fewer than 347 people have been put to death so far this year, per data from a British rights monitor that tracks such cases. This figure tops the total of 345 noted in 2024, marking what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated." The newest cases carried out involved two Pakistani nationals found guilty on drug-related offences. Analysis of the Sentences Additional individuals executed comprised a media professional and two young men who were underage at the time of their reported acts connected to dissent. A total of five were women. Yet, according to the monitoring group, the vast bulk—approximately two-thirds—were found guilty for non-lethal substance violations. International bodies have stated that applying the capital punishment for such offences is "incompatible with international human rights standards." Over 50% of those put to death were non-Saudi citizens, caught up in what has been labeled a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom. "Saudi Arabia is operating with complete impunity now," said a official of the monitoring group. "It's almost flouting the global justice mechanism." The advocate further characterized torture and forced confessions as "widespread" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign." Individual Cases Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young Egyptian fisherman, detained in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was forced into smuggling drugs. Loved ones of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "dread" they now live in. "The single occasion of the week that I rest is on Friday and Saturday because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," a family member said. Fellow inmates have allegedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken in protest to their death." Political Climate The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has led profound social changes, easing some rules while concurrently suppressing opposition. Although the country has become more accessible in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to global watchdogs. "There's been no cost for proceeding with these executions," said a analyst focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with minimal fallout." Reports suggest families of the executed are typically left in the dark, not given the remains, and not informed about where they are interred. International Response A UN special rapporteur has urged an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual abolition. The official also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international standards," including representation and embassy contact for foreign nationals. Specific cases have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their charged acts and a journalist executed on terrorism and treason charges. "Capital punishment against members of the press is a chilling attack on free speech," said a senior UN cultural official. In a official communication to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture." The communication further stated that the capital punishment is imposed only for the "most serious crimes" and after completing all judicial proceedings.
A recent case involved an Egyptian national on drug charges. The nation has broken its previous yearly high for the use of capital punishment for a second consecutive year. No fewer than 347 people have been put to death so far this year, per data from a British rights monitor that tracks such cases. This figure tops the total of 345 noted in 2024, marking what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated." The newest cases carried out involved two Pakistani nationals found guilty on drug-related offences. Analysis of the Sentences Additional individuals executed comprised a media professional and two young men who were underage at the time of their reported acts connected to dissent. A total of five were women. Yet, according to the monitoring group, the vast bulk—approximately two-thirds—were found guilty for non-lethal substance violations. International bodies have stated that applying the capital punishment for such offences is "incompatible with international human rights standards." Over 50% of those put to death were non-Saudi citizens, caught up in what has been labeled a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom. "Saudi Arabia is operating with complete impunity now," said a official of the monitoring group. "It's almost flouting the global justice mechanism." The advocate further characterized torture and forced confessions as "widespread" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign." Individual Cases Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young Egyptian fisherman, detained in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was forced into smuggling drugs. Loved ones of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "dread" they now live in. "The single occasion of the week that I rest is on Friday and Saturday because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," a family member said. Fellow inmates have allegedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken in protest to their death." Political Climate The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has led profound social changes, easing some rules while concurrently suppressing opposition. Although the country has become more accessible in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to global watchdogs. "There's been no cost for proceeding with these executions," said a analyst focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with minimal fallout." Reports suggest families of the executed are typically left in the dark, not given the remains, and not informed about where they are interred. International Response A UN special rapporteur has urged an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual abolition. The official also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international standards," including representation and embassy contact for foreign nationals. Specific cases have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their charged acts and a journalist executed on terrorism and treason charges. "Capital punishment against members of the press is a chilling attack on free speech," said a senior UN cultural official. In a official communication to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture." The communication further stated that the capital punishment is imposed only for the "most serious crimes" and after completing all judicial proceedings.