Human Rights Organizations Decry Unprecedented High in Death Sentences in the Gulf State

The nation has surpassed its prior execution tally for the number of executions for a second consecutive year.

No fewer than 347 people have been put to death so far this year, per data from a British rights monitor that tracks such sentences.

This figure tops the final count of 345 noted in 2024, representing what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."

The latest individuals to be executed were two Pakistani nationals found guilty on charges related to narcotics.

Analysis of the Executions

Further cases this year include a media professional and two youths who were underage at the time of their claimed protest-related crimes.

A total of five were women. Yet, per the monitoring group, the majority—around two-thirds—were found guilty for non-lethal narcotics charges.

The United Nations have declared that applying the capital punishment for such offences is "incompatible with international norms and standards."

A majority of those executed were non-Saudi citizens, caught up in what appears to be a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with complete impunity now," remarked a head of the monitoring group. "It's almost flouting the global justice mechanism."

The official further labeled torture and forced confessions as "widespread" within the Saudi judicial process, 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 reportedly claimed he was forced into smuggling drugs.

Relatives of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "dread" they now live in.

"The single occasion of the week that I rest is on those two days because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," one relative stated.

Cellmates have reportedly witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken resisting violently to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has overseen major shifts in policy, loosening some rules while concurrently silencing criticism.

Even as the country has become more accessible in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "poor" according to international observers.

"There's been no cost for proceeding with these executions," noted a analyst focusing on the region. "Major events continue with minimal fallout."

Reports suggest families of the deceased are often given no prior notice, denied the bodies, and left unaware of where they are interred.

Calls for Action

A United Nations expert has demanded 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 "strict adherence with international safeguards," including legal assistance and consular access for non-citizens.

Specific cases have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their alleged crimes and a journalist executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"Executions against journalists is a deeply concerning assault on freedom of expression," said a international agency head.

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

The response further stated that the capital punishment is used exclusively for the "heinous violations" and after concluding all legal processes.