Rights Groups Condemn New Record in Executions in the Kingdom
Saudi Arabia has surpassed its prior execution tally for the number of executions for a second consecutive year.
No fewer than 347 persons have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, as reported by a UK-based advocacy organization that tracks such sentences.
This figure is higher than the final count of 345 noted in 2024, making it what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began."
The newest cases carried out included two citizens of Pakistan found guilty on drug-related offences.
Details on the Sentences
Others put to death involved a reporter and two youths who were children at the time of their reported protest-related crimes.
Five of those were female. However, as stated by the monitoring group, the largest portion—around two-thirds—were found guilty for non-lethal substance violations.
The United Nations have said that applying the capital punishment for such crimes is "incompatible with international norms and standards."
A majority of those put to death were non-Saudi citizens, caught up in what has been labeled a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.
"Saudi Arabia is operating with absolute immunity now," said a official of the campaign. "It's almost ridiculing the international rights framework."
The advocate further characterized torture and forced confessions as "widespread" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "severe and random suppression."
Individual Cases
Among those put to death this week was a young national of Egypt, detained in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was coerced into trafficking narcotics.
Family members of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "dread" they now live in.
"The sole period of the week that I rest is on the weekend because there are no executions on those days," an individual recounted.
Cellmates have according to accounts seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "led resisting violently to their death."
Broader Context
The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has presided over significant societal reforms, easing some limitations while concurrently suppressing opposition.
Even as the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to global watchdogs.
"There have been no consequences for proceeding with these executions," commented a analyst focusing on the region. "Major events continue with minimal fallout."
Claims suggest families of the executed are typically not informed in advance, not given the remains, and not informed about where they are interred.
Calls for Action
A United Nations expert has called for an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual an end to the practice.
The expert also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international standards," including legal assistance and embassy contact for detainees from abroad.
Particular executions have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their reported offences and a reporter executed on national security allegations.
"Executions against journalists is a frightening blow on free speech," stated a senior UN cultural official.
In a official communication to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture."
The communication continued that the capital punishment is applied solely for the "most serious crimes" and after concluding all judicial proceedings.