🔗 Share this article Rights Groups Condemn Historic Peak in Capital Punishment in the Gulf State A recent case involved an Egyptian national on drug charges. The Kingdom has exceeded its own annual record for the carrying out of death sentences for a second straight year. At least 347 people have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, as reported by a UK-based campaign group that monitors such sentences. This figure exceeds the final count of 345 documented in 2024, making it what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated." The newest cases carried out involved two individuals from Pakistan found guilty on drug-related offences. Breakdown of the Sentences Additional individuals executed include a media professional and two individuals who were minors at the time of their alleged offences linked to demonstrations. A total of five were female. Yet, according to the monitoring group, the largest portion—around two-thirds—were convicted for non-violent narcotics charges. International bodies have said that applying the death penalty for such violations is "incompatible with international norms and standards." More than half of those subjected to capital punishment were foreign nationals, caught up in what is described as a "war on drugs" within the kingdom. "The kingdom is functioning with absolute immunity now," remarked a official of the campaign. "It's almost making a mockery of the human rights system." The advocate further characterized extracted statements through mistreatment as "systemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "severe and random suppression." Personal Accounts Among those put to death this week was a young national of Egypt, detained in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was pressured into trafficking narcotics. Relatives of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have given accounts privately the "fear" they now live in. "The sole period of the week that I find peace is on those two days because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," one relative stated. Other prisoners have reportedly witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged in protest to their death." Wider Backdrop The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has overseen profound social changes, easing some rules while concurrently cracking down on dissent. While the country has become more accessible in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to global watchdogs. "There have been no consequences for proceeding with these executions," commented a expert focusing on the region. "Major events continue with no repercussions." Reports suggest families of the deceased are usually not informed in advance, not given the remains, and not informed about burial sites. International Response A global human rights official has urged an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual elimination. The official also stressed the need for "full compliance with international safeguards," including legal assistance and consular access for foreign nationals. Particular executions have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their alleged crimes and a journalist executed on national security allegations. "Executions against members of the press is a deeply concerning assault on freedom of expression," stated a senior UN cultural official. In a formal letter to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture." The response continued that the capital punishment is imposed only for the "most serious crimes" and after completing all judicial proceedings.
A recent case involved an Egyptian national on drug charges. The Kingdom has exceeded its own annual record for the carrying out of death sentences for a second straight year. At least 347 people have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, as reported by a UK-based campaign group that monitors such sentences. This figure exceeds the final count of 345 documented in 2024, making it what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since tracking was initiated." The newest cases carried out involved two individuals from Pakistan found guilty on drug-related offences. Breakdown of the Sentences Additional individuals executed include a media professional and two individuals who were minors at the time of their alleged offences linked to demonstrations. A total of five were female. Yet, according to the monitoring group, the largest portion—around two-thirds—were convicted for non-violent narcotics charges. International bodies have said that applying the death penalty for such violations is "incompatible with international norms and standards." More than half of those subjected to capital punishment were foreign nationals, caught up in what is described as a "war on drugs" within the kingdom. "The kingdom is functioning with absolute immunity now," remarked a official of the campaign. "It's almost making a mockery of the human rights system." The advocate further characterized extracted statements through mistreatment as "systemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "severe and random suppression." Personal Accounts Among those put to death this week was a young national of Egypt, detained in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was pressured into trafficking narcotics. Relatives of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have given accounts privately the "fear" they now live in. "The sole period of the week that I find peace is on those two days because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," one relative stated. Other prisoners have reportedly witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged in protest to their death." Wider Backdrop The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has overseen profound social changes, easing some rules while concurrently cracking down on dissent. While the country has become more accessible in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to global watchdogs. "There have been no consequences for proceeding with these executions," commented a expert focusing on the region. "Major events continue with no repercussions." Reports suggest families of the deceased are usually not informed in advance, not given the remains, and not informed about burial sites. International Response A global human rights official has urged an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual elimination. The official also stressed the need for "full compliance with international safeguards," including legal assistance and consular access for foreign nationals. Particular executions have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their alleged crimes and a journalist executed on national security allegations. "Executions against members of the press is a deeply concerning assault on freedom of expression," stated a senior UN cultural official. In a formal letter to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture." The response continued that the capital punishment is imposed only for the "most serious crimes" and after completing all judicial proceedings.