Human Rights Organizations Condemn New Record in Capital Punishment in the Kingdom

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

At least 347 people have been put to death so far this year, per data from a British advocacy organization that records such sentences.

This figure tops the total of 345 documented in 2024, making it what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated."

The latest individuals to be executed included two individuals from Pakistan sentenced on drug-related offences.

Analysis of the Sentences

Further cases this year involved a journalist and two youths who were minors at the time of their reported offences linked to demonstrations.

Five were women. However, as stated by the monitoring group, the vast bulk—about two-thirds—were found guilty for non-violent narcotics charges.

International bodies have declared that applying the ultimate sentence for such crimes is "incompatible with international norms and standards."

More than half of those executed were individuals from other countries, ensnared in what appears to be a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with absolute immunity now," stated a official of the rights organization. "It's almost flouting the international rights framework."

The representative further labeled coerced admissions and abuse as "endemic" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Individual Cases

Among those put to death this week was a young national of Egypt, taken into custody in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was coerced into trafficking narcotics.

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

"The only time of the week that I sleep is on those two days because there are no executions on those days," one relative stated.

Cellmates have reportedly seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "led kicking and screaming to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has overseen significant societal reforms, easing some limitations while at the same time suppressing opposition.

While the country has become more accessible in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "poor" according to rights groups.

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

Allegations suggest families of the condemned are typically left in the dark, refused custody, and left unaware of the location of graves.

Global Condemnation

A UN special rapporteur has called for an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual abolition.

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

Particular executions have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their charged acts and a journalist executed on national security allegations.

"The death penalty against media workers is a chilling attack on press freedom," stated a international agency head.

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

The letter further stated that the capital punishment is used exclusively for the "most serious crimes" and after completing all judicial proceedings.