Advocacy Organizations Decry Unprecedented High in Death Sentences in the Gulf State

The Kingdom has exceeded its own annual record for the number of executions for a second consecutive year.

No fewer than 347 persons have been put to death so far this year, according to a UK-based advocacy organization that records such sentences.

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

The latest individuals to be executed included two citizens of Pakistan convicted on drug-related offences.

Details on the Sentences

Others put to death involved a reporter and two youths who were underage at the time of their alleged protest-related crimes.

A total of five were women. However, according to the monitoring group, the vast bulk—about two-thirds—were convicted for non-lethal narcotics charges.

Global organizations have stated that applying the capital punishment for such violations is "violates international human rights standards."

More than half of those executed were individuals from other countries, ensnared in what is described as a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

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

The advocate further characterized extracted statements through mistreatment as "endemic" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Personal Accounts

Among those executed recently was a young fisherman from Egypt, detained in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was coerced into carrying illegal substances.

Family members of men on death row for drug charges have given accounts privately the "dread" they now live in.

"The sole period of the week that I rest is on Friday and Saturday because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," an individual recounted.

Cellmates have reportedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "led in protest to their death."

Broader Context

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has led significant societal reforms, easing some restrictions while at the same time suppressing opposition.

Although the country has opened up in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to international observers.

"There's been no cost for going ahead with these executions," said a researcher focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with little backlash."

Claims suggest families of the executed are usually left in the dark, not given the remains, and not informed about where they are interred.

Global Condemnation

A United Nations expert has urged an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual an end to the practice.

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

Notable instances have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their charged acts and a journalist executed on claims of disloyalty.

"Executions against journalists is a deeply concerning assault on press freedom," said a leading UNESCO figure.

In a formal letter to international queries, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture."

The communication further stated that the death penalty is applied solely for the "gravest offences" and after concluding all court appeals.