Advocacy Organizations Condemn New Record in Executions in the Gulf State

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

No fewer than 347 people have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, according to a British campaign group that tracks such proceedings.

This figure tops the final count of 345 documented in 2024, marking what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated."

The newest individuals to be executed included two citizens of Pakistan found guilty on illegal substance violations.

Analysis of the Executions

Additional individuals executed involved a journalist and two young men who were underage at the time of their claimed acts connected to dissent.

Five of those were female prisoners. But, according to the monitoring group, the majority—approximately two-thirds—were sentenced for not involving murder narcotics charges.

The United Nations have declared that applying the death penalty for such crimes is "incompatible with international human rights standards."

Over 50% of those put to death were individuals from other countries, caught up in what appears to be a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"The kingdom is functioning with complete impunity now," said a official of the rights organization. "It's almost flouting the global justice mechanism."

The advocate further characterized extracted statements through mistreatment as "widespread" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Personal Accounts

Among those put to death this week was a young Egyptian fisherman, taken into custody in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was pressured into carrying illegal substances.

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

"The sole period of the week that I rest is on Friday and Saturday because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," one relative stated.

Other prisoners have allegedly witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken in protest to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has overseen major shifts in policy, relaxing some restrictions while at the same time cracking down on dissent.

Although the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "poor" according to global watchdogs.

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

Allegations suggest families of the condemned are typically left in the dark, refused custody, 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 official also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international safeguards," including representation and consular access for non-citizens.

Notable instances have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their alleged crimes and a journalist executed on national security allegations.

"Executions against journalists is a chilling attack on press freedom," stated a leading UNESCO figure.

In a formal letter to international queries, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture."

The communication further stated that the death penalty is used exclusively for the "heinous violations" and after completing all judicial proceedings.