Human Rights Organizations Condemn New Record in Capital Punishment in the Kingdom

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 advocacy organization that tracks such cases.

This figure tops the final count of 345 documented in 2024, making it what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The latest individuals to be executed included two citizens of Pakistan convicted on illegal substance violations.

Details on the Cases

Others put to death involved a reporter and two youths who were underage at the time of their reported acts connected to dissent.

Five were female prisoners. Yet, per the monitoring group, the largest portion—approximately two-thirds—were found guilty for non-lethal substance violations.

The United Nations have declared that applying the ultimate sentence for such crimes is "contrary to international law and principles."

A majority of those executed were non-Saudi citizens, ensnared in what appears to be a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"The kingdom is functioning with complete impunity now," stated a official of the rights organization. "It's almost ridiculing the international rights framework."

The representative further described coerced admissions and abuse as "endemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Individual Cases

Among those put to death this week was a young fisherman from Egypt, detained in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was pressured into trafficking narcotics.

Loved ones of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have given accounts privately the "fear" they now live in.

"The single occasion of the week that I sleep is on Friday and Saturday because there are no executions on those days," a family member said.

Cellmates have according to accounts observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken resisting violently to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has led major shifts in policy, loosening some restrictions while simultaneously suppressing opposition.

While the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to global watchdogs.

"There have been no consequences for carrying out these executions," said a analyst focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with minimal fallout."

Allegations suggest families of the executed are usually given no prior notice, denied the bodies, and left unaware of burial sites.

International Response

A global human rights official has called for an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual an end to the practice.

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "full compliance with international protections," including legal assistance and embassy contact for foreign nationals.

Specific cases have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their reported offences and a writer executed on national security allegations.

"Capital punishment against media workers is a deeply concerning assault on free speech," stated 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 "prohibit and punish torture."

The communication further stated that the ultimate sentence is imposed only for the "heinous violations" and after completing all legal processes.