Human Rights Organizations Denounce Unprecedented High in Capital Punishment in the Gulf State

The Kingdom has surpassed its previous yearly high 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, as reported by a UK-based advocacy organization that records such sentences.

This figure tops the number of 345 recorded in 2024, marking what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The latest cases carried out involved two Pakistani nationals sentenced on illegal substance violations.

Analysis of the Executions

Others put to death include a reporter and two individuals who were underage at the time of their claimed acts connected to dissent.

A total of five were women. Yet, per the monitoring group, the vast bulk—about two-thirds—were sentenced for non-lethal narcotics charges.

International bodies have declared that applying the death penalty for such crimes is "violates international human rights standards."

Over 50% of those put to death were individuals from other countries, caught up in what has been labeled a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

"Saudi Arabia is operating with complete impunity now," remarked a official of the campaign. "It's almost ridiculing the global justice mechanism."

The advocate further characterized coerced admissions and abuse as "widespread" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Human Stories

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young national of Egypt, arrested in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was pressured into smuggling drugs.

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

"The sole period of the week that I rest is on Friday and Saturday because there are no death sentences carried out on those days," one relative stated.

Other prisoners have allegedly seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "led resisting violently to their death."

Political Climate

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has overseen significant societal reforms, relaxing some rules while at the same time cracking down on dissent.

While the country has opened up in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to global watchdogs.

"No price has been paid for carrying out these executions," commented a analyst focusing on the region. "Major events continue with little backlash."

Claims suggest families of the condemned are typically not informed in advance, denied the bodies, and left unaware of where they are interred.

International Response

A global human rights official has urged an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual elimination.

The official also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international standards," including access to lawyers and consular access for detainees from abroad.

Specific cases have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their reported offences and a reporter executed on claims of disloyalty.

"The death penalty against journalists is a frightening blow on press freedom," stated a leading UNESCO figure.

In a official communication to international queries, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture."

The response further stated that the capital punishment is used exclusively for the "heinous violations" and after exhausting all legal processes.