Rights Groups Condemn New Record in Executions in the Kingdom

The nation has exceeded its previous yearly high for the carrying out of death sentences for a second straight year.

A minimum of 347 persons have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, according to a British campaign group that records such sentences.

This figure tops the total of 345 noted in 2024, representing what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since records started."

The most recent cases carried out were two individuals from Pakistan found guilty on illegal substance violations.

Details on the Executions

Further cases this year comprised a reporter and two youths who were underage at the time of their alleged protest-related crimes.

Five of those were female prisoners. But, as stated by the monitoring group, the vast bulk—about two-thirds—were convicted for non-violent drug-related offences.

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 foreign nationals, caught up in what is described as a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom.

"The kingdom is functioning with absolute immunity now," stated a representative of the campaign. "It's almost ridiculing the global justice mechanism."

The official further characterized coerced admissions and abuse as "systemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "brutal and arbitrary crackdown."

Personal Accounts

Among those executed recently was a young fisherman from Egypt, arrested in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was pressured into trafficking narcotics.

Loved ones 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 the weekend because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," one relative stated.

Cellmates have allegedly observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "led in protest to their death."

Wider Backdrop

The effective leader of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has presided over major shifts in policy, relaxing some rules while concurrently suppressing opposition.

Although the country has welcomed foreign engagement in a bid to move away from oil dependency, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to global watchdogs.

"There have been no consequences for going ahead with these executions," commented a analyst focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with little backlash."

Reports suggest families of the deceased are usually given no prior notice, not given the remains, and not informed about burial sites.

International Response

A global human rights official has called for an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual an end to the practice.

The rapporteur also stressed the need for "full compliance with international safeguards," including legal assistance and consular access for foreign nationals.

Particular executions have drawn particular ire, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their reported offences and a reporter executed on claims of disloyalty.

"Capital punishment against media workers is a chilling attack on free speech," said a international agency head.

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

The communication further stated that the ultimate sentence is imposed only for the "heinous violations" and after concluding all court appeals.