🔗 Share this article Rights Groups Decry Historic Peak in Capital Punishment in Saudi Arabia Issam al-Shazly was executed after a drug conviction. Saudi Arabia has broken its prior execution tally for the carrying out of death sentences for a second consecutive year. No fewer than 347 individuals have been executed so far this year, as reported by a London-based advocacy organization that records such cases. This figure exceeds the number of 345 recorded in 2024, representing what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began." The most recent cases carried out were two individuals from Pakistan sentenced on illegal substance violations. Analysis of the Executions Further cases this year comprised a reporter and two individuals who were underage at the time of their alleged acts connected to dissent. Five of those were female prisoners. Yet, per the monitoring group, the vast bulk—around two-thirds—were found guilty for not involving murder drug-related offences. Global organizations have declared that applying the death penalty for such offences is "contrary to international norms and standards." A majority of those subjected to capital punishment were foreign nationals, ensnared in what is described as a "war on drugs" within the kingdom. "Saudi Arabia is operating with complete impunity now," remarked a head of the monitoring group. "It's almost flouting the human rights system." The advocate further characterized coerced admissions and abuse as "endemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign." Human Stories Among those executed recently was a young national of Egypt, arrested in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was pressured into trafficking narcotics. Relatives of men on death row for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "dread" they now live in. "The sole period of the week that I sleep is on Friday and Saturday because there are no executions on those days," an individual recounted. Other prisoners have according to accounts observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "led in protest to their death." Broader Context The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has overseen profound social changes, easing some rules while simultaneously suppressing opposition. Even as 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 have been no consequences for going ahead with these executions," noted a analyst focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with little backlash." Reports suggest families of the deceased are typically given no prior notice, not given the remains, and not told where they are interred. Calls for Action A global human rights official has called for an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual elimination. The expert also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international protections," including access to lawyers and diplomatic support for non-citizens. Specific cases have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their alleged crimes and a journalist executed on national security allegations. "The death penalty against media workers is a deeply concerning assault on press freedom," said a leading UNESCO figure. In a written response to international queries, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture." The response further stated that the capital punishment is used exclusively for the "most serious crimes" and after concluding all judicial proceedings.
Issam al-Shazly was executed after a drug conviction. Saudi Arabia has broken its prior execution tally for the carrying out of death sentences for a second consecutive year. No fewer than 347 individuals have been executed so far this year, as reported by a London-based advocacy organization that records such cases. This figure exceeds the number of 345 recorded in 2024, representing what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began." The most recent cases carried out were two individuals from Pakistan sentenced on illegal substance violations. Analysis of the Executions Further cases this year comprised a reporter and two individuals who were underage at the time of their alleged acts connected to dissent. Five of those were female prisoners. Yet, per the monitoring group, the vast bulk—around two-thirds—were found guilty for not involving murder drug-related offences. Global organizations have declared that applying the death penalty for such offences is "contrary to international norms and standards." A majority of those subjected to capital punishment were foreign nationals, ensnared in what is described as a "war on drugs" within the kingdom. "Saudi Arabia is operating with complete impunity now," remarked a head of the monitoring group. "It's almost flouting the human rights system." The advocate further characterized coerced admissions and abuse as "endemic" within the Saudi legal framework, calling it a "harsh and indiscriminate campaign." Human Stories Among those executed recently was a young national of Egypt, arrested in 2021. He is said to have claimed he was pressured into trafficking narcotics. Relatives of men on death row for drug charges have spoken anonymously the "dread" they now live in. "The sole period of the week that I sleep is on Friday and Saturday because there are no executions on those days," an individual recounted. Other prisoners have according to accounts observed individuals they lived alongside for years being "led in protest to their death." Broader Context The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who became crown prince in 2017, has overseen profound social changes, easing some rules while simultaneously suppressing opposition. Even as 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 have been no consequences for going ahead with these executions," noted a analyst focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with little backlash." Reports suggest families of the deceased are typically given no prior notice, not given the remains, and not told where they are interred. Calls for Action A global human rights official has called for an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual elimination. The expert also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international protections," including access to lawyers and diplomatic support for non-citizens. Specific cases have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were minors at the time of their alleged crimes and a journalist executed on national security allegations. "The death penalty against media workers is a deeply concerning assault on press freedom," said a leading UNESCO figure. In a written response to international queries, Saudi authorities have maintained that the country "protects and upholds human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture." The response further stated that the capital punishment is used exclusively for the "most serious crimes" and after concluding all judicial proceedings.