Advocacy Organizations Denounce New Record in Capital Punishment in the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia has broken its prior execution tally for the carrying out of death sentences for a second straight year.

At least 347 people have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, according to a UK-based campaign group that records such sentences.

This figure exceeds the number of 345 noted in 2024, representing what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated."

The newest people put to death included two citizens of Pakistan sentenced on illegal substance violations.

Analysis of the Sentences

Others put to death include a journalist and two young men who were minors at the time of their claimed protest-related crimes.

Five were female prisoners. But, per the monitoring group, the vast bulk—around two-thirds—were found guilty for non-lethal substance violations.

Global organizations have declared that applying the ultimate sentence for such offences is "contrary to international human rights standards."

Over 50% of those subjected to capital punishment were foreign nationals, implicated in what appears to be a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with absolute immunity now," said a representative of the campaign. "It's almost flouting the human rights system."

The representative further described extracted statements through mistreatment as "systemic" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Individual Cases

Among those put to death this week was a young fisherman from Egypt, taken into custody in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was coerced into smuggling drugs.

Loved ones of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "dread" they now live in.

"The sole period of the week that I find peace is on those two days because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," one relative stated.

Other prisoners have allegedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged in protest to their death."

Broader Context

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has led profound social changes, relaxing some restrictions while simultaneously cracking down on dissent.

While 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.

"No price has been paid for going ahead with these executions," commented a expert focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with minimal fallout."

Claims suggest families of the condemned are usually given no prior notice, denied the bodies, and not informed about burial sites.

Calls for Action

A UN special rapporteur has demanded an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual elimination.

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

Specific cases have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their reported offences and a reporter executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"The death penalty against members of the press is a deeply concerning assault on freedom of expression," declared a leading UNESCO figure.

In a formal letter to international queries, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture."

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