Advocacy Organizations Denounce New Record in Capital Punishment in the Kingdom

The Kingdom 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 monitors such proceedings.

This figure is higher than 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 newest people put to death involved two citizens of Pakistan found guilty on charges related to narcotics.

Details on the Executions

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

Five of those were women. But, according to the monitoring group, the largest portion—about two-thirds—were sentenced for non-lethal substance violations.

The United Nations have stated that applying the death penalty for such offences is "contrary to international human rights standards."

More than half of those executed were non-Saudi citizens, ensnared in what is described as a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with absolute immunity now," stated a official of the rights organization. "It's almost ridiculing the global justice mechanism."

The advocate further characterized extracted statements through mistreatment as "systemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Human Stories

Among those executed recently was a young national of Egypt, detained in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was pressured into carrying illegal substances.

Loved ones of men on death row for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "fear" they now live in.

"The only time of the week that I sleep is on Friday and Saturday because there are no executions on those days," one relative stated.

Cellmates have according to accounts witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken in protest to their death."

Broader Context

The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has presided over profound social changes, easing some rules while simultaneously silencing criticism.

Although the country has opened up in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to rights groups.

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

Reports suggest families of the deceased are typically given no prior notice, refused custody, and not informed about the location of graves.

Calls for Action

A United Nations expert has urged an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual abolition.

The official also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international standards," including representation and consular access for detainees from abroad.

Specific cases have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their charged acts and a journalist executed on terrorism and treason charges.

"Capital punishment against members of the press is a chilling attack on freedom of expression," said a international agency head.

In a written response to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture."

The letter added that the capital punishment is imposed only for the "most serious crimes" and after concluding all judicial proceedings.