🔗 Share this article Human Rights Organizations Denounce Unprecedented High in Death Sentences in the Gulf State A recent case involved an Egyptian national on drug charges. The nation has surpassed its prior execution tally for the carrying out of death sentences for a second straight year. At least 347 people have been put to death so far this year, per data from a London-based advocacy organization that tracks such sentences. This figure is higher than the total of 345 noted in 2024, making it what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since records started." The newest people put to death involved two citizens of Pakistan sentenced on charges related to narcotics. Details on the Executions Further cases this year involved a reporter and two individuals who were minors at the time of their alleged acts connected to dissent. Five of those were women. Yet, per the monitoring group, the largest portion—about two-thirds—were convicted for not involving murder substance violations. The United Nations have declared that applying the ultimate sentence for such offences is "contrary to international human rights standards." A majority of those subjected to capital punishment were non-Saudi citizens, caught up in what has been labeled a "war on drugs" within the kingdom. "The kingdom is functioning with absolute immunity now," said a official of the monitoring group. "It's almost making a mockery of the human rights system." The official further labeled extracted statements through mistreatment as "systemic" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign." Personal Accounts Among those executed recently was a young fisherman from Egypt, detained in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was coerced into carrying illegal substances. Loved ones of men on death row for drug charges have given accounts privately the "terror" they now live in. "The sole period of the week that I rest is on Friday and Saturday because there are no death sentences carried out on those days," a family member said. Other prisoners have allegedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "led kicking and screaming to their death." Wider Backdrop The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has presided over profound social changes, relaxing some limitations while concurrently cracking down on dissent. Although the country has become more accessible in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to global watchdogs. "There's been no cost for proceeding with these executions," commented a researcher focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with little backlash." Reports suggest families of the deceased are often left in the dark, denied the bodies, and not told the location of graves. International Response A UN special rapporteur has called for an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual elimination. The official also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international protections," including representation and embassy contact for detainees from abroad. Specific cases have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their reported offences and a journalist executed on national security allegations. "Capital punishment against media workers is a chilling attack on press freedom," stated a senior UN cultural official. In a official communication to international queries, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture." The communication added that the capital punishment is imposed only for the "most serious crimes" and after completing all court appeals.
A recent case involved an Egyptian national on drug charges. The nation has surpassed its prior execution tally for the carrying out of death sentences for a second straight year. At least 347 people have been put to death so far this year, per data from a London-based advocacy organization that tracks such sentences. This figure is higher than the total of 345 noted in 2024, making it what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since records started." The newest people put to death involved two citizens of Pakistan sentenced on charges related to narcotics. Details on the Executions Further cases this year involved a reporter and two individuals who were minors at the time of their alleged acts connected to dissent. Five of those were women. Yet, per the monitoring group, the largest portion—about two-thirds—were convicted for not involving murder substance violations. The United Nations have declared that applying the ultimate sentence for such offences is "contrary to international human rights standards." A majority of those subjected to capital punishment were non-Saudi citizens, caught up in what has been labeled a "war on drugs" within the kingdom. "The kingdom is functioning with absolute immunity now," said a official of the monitoring group. "It's almost making a mockery of the human rights system." The official further labeled extracted statements through mistreatment as "systemic" within the Saudi criminal justice system, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign." Personal Accounts Among those executed recently was a young fisherman from Egypt, detained in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was coerced into carrying illegal substances. Loved ones of men on death row for drug charges have given accounts privately the "terror" they now live in. "The sole period of the week that I rest is on Friday and Saturday because there are no death sentences carried out on those days," a family member said. Other prisoners have allegedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "led kicking and screaming to their death." Wider Backdrop The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has presided over profound social changes, relaxing some limitations while concurrently cracking down on dissent. Although the country has become more accessible in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "abysmal" according to global watchdogs. "There's been no cost for proceeding with these executions," commented a researcher focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with little backlash." Reports suggest families of the deceased are often left in the dark, denied the bodies, and not told the location of graves. International Response A UN special rapporteur has called for an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual elimination. The official also stressed the need for "strict adherence with international protections," including representation and embassy contact for detainees from abroad. Specific cases have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their reported offences and a journalist executed on national security allegations. "Capital punishment against media workers is a chilling attack on press freedom," stated a senior UN cultural official. In a official communication to international queries, Saudi authorities have stated that the country "safeguards human rights" and that its laws "outlaw and sanction torture." The communication added that the capital punishment is imposed only for the "most serious crimes" and after completing all court appeals.