Human Rights Organizations Decry New Record in Capital Punishment in the Gulf State

The Kingdom has broken its prior execution tally for the carrying out of death sentences for a second consecutive year.

No fewer than 347 persons have been executed so far this year, as reported by a British rights monitor that monitors such proceedings.

This figure is higher than the number of 345 recorded in 2024, representing what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The latest cases carried out included two citizens of Pakistan sentenced on charges related to narcotics.

Analysis of the Executions

Further cases this year involved a media professional and two individuals who were children at the time of their claimed acts connected to dissent.

Five were women. Yet, as stated by the monitoring group, the majority—about two-thirds—were convicted for non-lethal substance violations.

The United Nations have said that applying the ultimate sentence for such violations is "incompatible with international human rights standards."

A majority of those executed were foreign nationals, caught up in what appears to be a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with total disregard now," said a official of the rights organization. "It's almost ridiculing the global justice mechanism."

The representative further characterized torture and forced confessions as "widespread" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Individual Cases

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young fisherman from Egypt, arrested in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was coerced into smuggling drugs.

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

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

Other prisoners have allegedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "led kicking and screaming to their death."

Broader Context

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has led significant societal reforms, relaxing some restrictions while concurrently cracking down on dissent.

Although the country has opened up in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to international observers.

"There have been no consequences for carrying out these executions," noted a expert focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with little backlash."

Reports suggest families of the executed are typically given no prior notice, refused custody, and not told where they are interred.

International Response

A global human rights official has demanded an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual an end to the practice.

The expert also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international safeguards," including representation and consular access for non-citizens.

Particular executions have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their charged acts and a reporter executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"The death penalty against members of the press is a deeply concerning assault on free speech," declared a international agency head.

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

The communication continued that the ultimate sentence is applied solely for the "gravest offences" and after concluding all judicial proceedings.