🔗 Share this article Advocacy Organizations Decry Historic Peak in Capital Punishment in the Gulf State A recent case involved an Egyptian national on drug charges. The nation has surpassed its prior execution tally for the use of capital punishment for a second straight year. A minimum of 347 individuals have been put to death so far this year, per data from a UK-based campaign group that monitors such proceedings. This figure exceeds the number of 345 recorded in 2024, making it what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated." The latest individuals to be executed were two citizens of Pakistan found guilty on charges related to narcotics. Details on the Cases Further cases this year comprised a journalist and two young men who were underage at the time of their claimed acts connected to dissent. Five of those were women. Yet, 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 death penalty for such offences is "violates international law and principles." Over 50% of those subjected to capital punishment were individuals from other countries, caught up in what appears to be a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom. "The authorities are acting with complete impunity now," said a representative of the monitoring group. "It's almost making a mockery of the human rights system." The official further described coerced admissions and abuse as "systemic" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign." Human Stories Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young fisherman from Egypt, taken into custody in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was coerced into trafficking narcotics. Family members of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have described the "dread" they now live in. "The single occasion of the week that I rest is on those two days because there are no executions on those days," one relative stated. Cellmates have allegedly witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged in protest to their death." Political Climate The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has led profound social changes, easing some rules while simultaneously silencing criticism. Although the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "poor" according to rights groups. "There have been no consequences for going ahead with these executions," noted a analyst focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with no repercussions." Claims suggest families of the deceased are often left in the dark, denied the bodies, and not told the location of graves. Global Condemnation A United Nations expert has called for an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual an end to the practice. The rapporteur also stressed the need for "full compliance with international safeguards," including access to lawyers and embassy contact for foreign nationals. Notable instances have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their reported offences and a reporter executed on terrorism and treason charges. "Capital punishment against media workers is a frightening blow on free speech," stated a senior UN cultural official. In a written response to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture." The response further stated that the death penalty is imposed only for the "most serious crimes" and after concluding all judicial proceedings.
A recent case involved an Egyptian national on drug charges. The nation has surpassed its prior execution tally for the use of capital punishment for a second straight year. A minimum of 347 individuals have been put to death so far this year, per data from a UK-based campaign group that monitors such proceedings. This figure exceeds the number of 345 recorded in 2024, making it what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated." The latest individuals to be executed were two citizens of Pakistan found guilty on charges related to narcotics. Details on the Cases Further cases this year comprised a journalist and two young men who were underage at the time of their claimed acts connected to dissent. Five of those were women. Yet, 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 death penalty for such offences is "violates international law and principles." Over 50% of those subjected to capital punishment were individuals from other countries, caught up in what appears to be a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom. "The authorities are acting with complete impunity now," said a representative of the monitoring group. "It's almost making a mockery of the human rights system." The official further described coerced admissions and abuse as "systemic" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign." Human Stories Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young fisherman from Egypt, taken into custody in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was coerced into trafficking narcotics. Family members of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have described the "dread" they now live in. "The single occasion of the week that I rest is on those two days because there are no executions on those days," one relative stated. Cellmates have allegedly witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged in protest to their death." Political Climate The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has led profound social changes, easing some rules while simultaneously silencing criticism. Although the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "poor" according to rights groups. "There have been no consequences for going ahead with these executions," noted a analyst focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with no repercussions." Claims suggest families of the deceased are often left in the dark, denied the bodies, and not told the location of graves. Global Condemnation A United Nations expert has called for an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual an end to the practice. The rapporteur also stressed the need for "full compliance with international safeguards," including access to lawyers and embassy contact for foreign nationals. Notable instances have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their reported offences and a reporter executed on terrorism and treason charges. "Capital punishment against media workers is a frightening blow on free speech," stated a senior UN cultural official. In a written response to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture." The response further stated that the death penalty is imposed only for the "most serious crimes" and after concluding all judicial proceedings.