Rights Groups Condemn New Record in Capital Punishment in the Gulf State

The Kingdom has broken its previous yearly high for the use of capital punishment for a second straight year.

A minimum of 347 persons have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, according to a London-based rights monitor that records such cases.

This figure exceeds the final count of 345 recorded in 2024, marking what the group calls the "deadliest year of executions in the kingdom since records started."

The most recent individuals to be executed were two Pakistani nationals sentenced on illegal substance violations.

Analysis of the Sentences

Additional individuals executed comprised a journalist and two young men who were minors at the time of their reported offences linked to demonstrations.

A total of five were women. But, as stated by the monitoring group, the largest portion—around two-thirds—were sentenced for not involving murder substance violations.

International bodies have declared that applying the death penalty for such offences is "contrary to international human rights standards."

A majority of those executed were foreign nationals, ensnared in what appears to be a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom.

"The authorities are acting with absolute immunity now," stated a representative of the campaign. "It's almost flouting the global justice mechanism."

The advocate further labeled torture and forced confessions as "widespread" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign."

Individual Cases

Among those subjected to capital punishment was a young national of Egypt, detained in 2021. He allegedly claimed he was forced into trafficking narcotics.

Relatives 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 rest is on the weekend because there are no executions on those days," one relative stated.

Fellow inmates have reportedly seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged in protest to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has led profound social changes, loosening some rules while at the same time silencing criticism.

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

"There have been no consequences for proceeding with these executions," commented a researcher focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with minimal fallout."

Allegations suggest families of the executed are typically left in the dark, refused custody, and not informed about where they are interred.

International Response

A UN special rapporteur has called for an prompt suspension on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual elimination.

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international protections," including access to lawyers and consular access for foreign nationals.

Notable instances have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their alleged crimes and a writer executed on claims of disloyalty.

"The death penalty against media workers is a chilling attack on press freedom," said a leading UNESCO figure.

In a official communication to UN concerns, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture."

The letter added that the ultimate sentence is applied solely for the "most serious crimes" and after concluding all court appeals.