Rights Groups Denounce Historic Peak in Death Sentences in the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia has broken its prior execution tally for the use of capital punishment for a second consecutive year.

At least 347 persons have been put to death so far this year, as reported by a UK-based rights monitor that records such sentences.

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

The newest cases carried out included two individuals from Pakistan convicted on drug-related offences.

Details on the Sentences

Additional individuals executed comprised a journalist and two individuals who were underage at the time of their claimed protest-related crimes.

Five of those were female prisoners. Yet, as stated by the monitoring group, the largest portion—approximately two-thirds—were found guilty for not involving murder narcotics charges.

Global organizations have stated that applying the capital punishment for such offences is "violates international law and principles."

More than half of those subjected to capital punishment were non-Saudi citizens, ensnared in what appears to be a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with total disregard now," said a official of the rights organization. "It's almost flouting the international rights framework."

The advocate further described torture and forced confessions as "endemic" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Personal Accounts

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young fisherman from Egypt, detained in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was pressured into trafficking narcotics.

Family members of men on death row for drug charges have given accounts privately the "fear" they now live in.

"The only time of the week that I sleep is on the weekend because there are no death sentences carried out on those days," a family member said.

Cellmates have reportedly witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken kicking and screaming to their death."

Broader Context

The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has led significant societal reforms, relaxing some restrictions while simultaneously 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's been no cost for going ahead with these executions," said a analyst focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with minimal fallout."

Claims suggest families of the executed are usually left in the dark, refused custody, and left unaware of burial sites.

Global Condemnation

A global human rights official has called for an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, pushing for eventual elimination.

The official also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international safeguards," including legal assistance and embassy contact 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 reported offences and a journalist executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"The death penalty against media workers is a chilling attack on free speech," declared a leading UNESCO figure.

In a official communication to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "ban and penalize torture."

The response continued that the capital punishment is used exclusively for the "gravest offences" and after exhausting all legal processes.