Rights Groups Decry Historic Peak in Death Sentences in the Kingdom

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

No fewer than 347 persons have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, as reported by a London-based rights monitor that tracks such cases.

This figure tops the total of 345 noted in 2024, representing what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The most recent cases carried out involved two Pakistani nationals convicted on charges related to narcotics.

Breakdown of the Cases

Others put to death involved a journalist and two youths who were children at the time of their alleged acts connected to dissent.

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

The United Nations have stated that applying the ultimate sentence for such violations is "violates international norms and standards."

Over 50% of those put to death were individuals from other countries, ensnared in what has been labeled a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with absolute immunity now," said a representative of the rights organization. "It's almost ridiculing the global justice mechanism."

The official further described extracted statements through mistreatment as "endemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Individual Cases

Among those put to death this week was a young Egyptian fisherman, taken into custody in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was coerced into smuggling drugs.

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

"The sole period of the week that I sleep is on the weekend because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," a family member said.

Fellow inmates have according to accounts witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "led kicking and screaming to their death."

Political Climate

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has presided over profound social changes, easing some limitations while at the same time cracking down on dissent.

Even as the country has become more accessible in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to international observers.

"There's been no cost for proceeding with these executions," said a expert focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with minimal fallout."

Claims suggest families of the condemned are usually not informed in advance, not given the remains, and left unaware of burial sites.

International Response

A United Nations expert has called for an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual elimination.

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "full compliance with international protections," including access to lawyers and diplomatic support for non-citizens.

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

"The death penalty against media workers is a deeply concerning assault on freedom of expression," said a international agency head.

In a official communication to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture."

The response further stated that the capital punishment is imposed only for the "most serious crimes" and after exhausting all court appeals.