Rights Groups Decry Unprecedented High in Executions in the Gulf State

Saudi Arabia has broken its own annual record for the use of capital punishment for a second straight year.

A minimum of 347 persons have been executed so far this year, as reported by a London-based rights monitor that records such proceedings.

This figure tops the final count of 345 recorded in 2024, representing what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated."

The newest individuals to be executed involved two citizens of Pakistan sentenced on illegal substance violations.

Breakdown of the Executions

Others put to death include a media professional and two youths who were minors at the time of their alleged acts connected to dissent.

A total of five were female prisoners. But, according to the monitoring group, the largest portion—approximately two-thirds—were convicted for not involving murder drug-related offences.

The United Nations have said that applying the capital punishment for such offences is "violates international human rights standards."

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

"The kingdom is functioning with complete impunity now," remarked a official of the campaign. "It's almost flouting the human rights system."

The representative further labeled extracted statements through mistreatment as "systemic" within the Saudi judicial process, calling it a "severe and random suppression."

Individual Cases

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young national of Egypt, arrested in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was coerced into smuggling drugs.

Family members of men on awaiting execution for drug charges have given accounts privately the "terror" they now live in.

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

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

Political Climate

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has overseen significant societal reforms, loosening some restrictions while simultaneously silencing criticism.

Even as the country has opened up in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to global watchdogs.

"There's been no cost for going ahead with these executions," said a researcher focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with little backlash."

Claims suggest families of the condemned are typically not informed in advance, denied the bodies, and left unaware of the location of graves.

International Response

A global human rights official has called for 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 "full compliance with international protections," including legal assistance and embassy contact for detainees from abroad.

Notable instances have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their charged acts and a writer executed on national security allegations.

"The death penalty against media workers is a frightening blow on free speech," stated a international agency head.

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

The response further stated that the ultimate sentence is used exclusively for the "most serious crimes" and after completing all judicial proceedings.