Rights Groups Decry New Record in Death Sentences in Saudi Arabia

The nation has broken its previous yearly high for the carrying out of death sentences for a second straight year.

At least 347 persons have been put to death so far this year, as reported by a British rights monitor that tracks such cases.

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 records started."

The most recent people put to death involved two Pakistani nationals sentenced on charges related to narcotics.

Details on the Cases

Others put to death include a journalist and two young men who were underage at the time of their alleged protest-related crimes.

Five of those were female prisoners. However, as stated by the monitoring group, the majority—approximately two-thirds—were found guilty for not involving murder substance violations.

International bodies have stated that applying the capital punishment for such crimes is "incompatible with international law and principles."

A majority of those put to death were individuals from other countries, caught up in what has been labeled a "war on drugs" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with absolute immunity now," remarked a official of the campaign. "It's almost making a mockery of the human rights system."

The official further described extracted statements through mistreatment as "endemic" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Human Stories

Among those executed recently was a young national of Egypt, taken into custody in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was pressured into trafficking narcotics.

Relatives of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "fear" they now live in.

"The sole period of the week that I rest is on the weekend because there are no death sentences carried out on those days," an individual recounted.

Cellmates have allegedly seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "led in protest to their death."

Broader Context

The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has presided over major shifts in policy, relaxing some restrictions while at the same time silencing criticism.

While the country has become more accessible in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "poor" according to rights groups.

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

Allegations suggest families of the condemned are often not informed in advance, not given the remains, and not informed about burial sites.

Calls for Action

A UN special rapporteur has called for an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual elimination.

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international safeguards," including access to lawyers and diplomatic support for foreign nationals.

Specific cases have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their reported offences and a writer executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"Capital punishment against media workers is a deeply concerning assault on freedom of expression," declared a international agency head.

In a formal letter to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture."

The communication continued that the capital punishment is used exclusively for the "most serious crimes" and after exhausting all judicial proceedings.