Rights Groups Decry New Record in Capital Punishment in the Gulf State

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

At least 347 persons have been put to death so far this year, per data from a UK-based campaign group that monitors such proceedings.

This figure tops the number of 345 noted in 2024, making it what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since records started."

The newest individuals to be executed were two Pakistani nationals convicted on drug-related offences.

Analysis of the Cases

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

Five of those were female. However, as stated by the monitoring group, the vast bulk—about two-thirds—were sentenced for non-violent substance violations.

The United Nations have stated that applying the ultimate sentence for such offences is "contrary to international norms and standards."

Over 50% of those subjected to capital punishment were foreign nationals, ensnared in what appears to be a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"Saudi Arabia is operating with absolute immunity now," stated a representative of the rights organization. "It's almost ridiculing the human rights system."

The representative further labeled coerced admissions and abuse as "endemic" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Individual Cases

Among those executed recently was a young Egyptian fisherman, detained in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was forced into smuggling drugs.

Family members of men on death row for drug charges have given accounts privately the "terror" 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 seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged in protest to their death."

Political Climate

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has led major shifts in policy, relaxing some limitations while concurrently cracking down on dissent.

Even as the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to international observers.

"There have been no consequences for carrying out these executions," commented a expert focusing on the region. "Major events continue with minimal fallout."

Allegations suggest families of the deceased are often left in the dark, denied the bodies, and not told where they are interred.

Calls for Action

A United Nations expert has urged an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual an end to the practice.

The expert also stressed the need for "full compliance with international safeguards," including access to lawyers and embassy contact for detainees from abroad.

Particular executions have drawn focused criticism, 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 media workers is a frightening blow on free speech," declared a international agency head.

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

The letter further stated that the capital punishment is used exclusively for the "gravest offences" and after exhausting all judicial proceedings.