๐ Share this article Human Rights Organizations Decry Unprecedented High in Executions in the Gulf State Issam al-Shazly was executed after a drug conviction. The nation has exceeded its previous yearly high for the number of executions for a second consecutive year. At least 347 persons have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, per data from a UK-based rights monitor that monitors such cases. This figure exceeds the total of 345 recorded in 2024, representing what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since records started." The newest cases carried out were two Pakistani nationals sentenced on illegal substance violations. Breakdown of the Sentences Others put to death involved a media professional and two young men who were children at the time of their reported protest-related crimes. Five were female prisoners. However, according to the monitoring group, the largest portionโaround two-thirdsโwere convicted for non-violent drug-related offences. Global organizations have stated that applying the capital punishment for such violations is "violates international norms and standards." More than half of those executed were foreign nationals, ensnared in what has been labeled a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom. "The authorities are acting with complete impunity now," stated a head of the rights organization. "It's almost ridiculing the international rights framework." The official further characterized torture and forced confessions as "endemic" 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, arrested in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was pressured into smuggling drugs. Family members of men on death row for drug charges have described the "dread" they now live in. "The sole period of the week that I sleep is on the weekend because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," one relative stated. Cellmates have according to accounts seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken kicking and screaming to their death." Broader Context The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has presided over profound social changes, loosening some rules while simultaneously suppressing opposition. Although the country has opened up in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "poor" according to global watchdogs. "There have been no consequences for proceeding with these executions," commented a expert focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with little backlash." Allegations suggest families of the executed are usually left in the dark, not given the remains, and not told the location of graves. International Response A global human rights official has demanded an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual elimination. The official also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international protections," including representation and consular access for foreign nationals. Particular executions have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their charged acts and a reporter executed on national security allegations. "Capital punishment against media workers is a frightening blow on free speech," declared a senior UN cultural official. In a official communication to international queries, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture." The communication added that the ultimate sentence is applied solely for the "gravest offences" and after exhausting all legal processes.
Issam al-Shazly was executed after a drug conviction. The nation has exceeded its previous yearly high for the number of executions for a second consecutive year. At least 347 persons have been subjected to capital punishment so far this year, per data from a UK-based rights monitor that monitors such cases. This figure exceeds the total of 345 recorded in 2024, representing what the group calls the "bloodiest year of executions in the kingdom since records started." The newest cases carried out were two Pakistani nationals sentenced on illegal substance violations. Breakdown of the Sentences Others put to death involved a media professional and two young men who were children at the time of their reported protest-related crimes. Five were female prisoners. However, according to the monitoring group, the largest portionโaround two-thirdsโwere convicted for non-violent drug-related offences. Global organizations have stated that applying the capital punishment for such violations is "violates international norms and standards." More than half of those executed were foreign nationals, ensnared in what has been labeled a "crackdown on substances" within the kingdom. "The authorities are acting with complete impunity now," stated a head of the rights organization. "It's almost ridiculing the international rights framework." The official further characterized torture and forced confessions as "endemic" 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, arrested in 2021. He reportedly claimed he was pressured into smuggling drugs. Family members of men on death row for drug charges have described the "dread" they now live in. "The sole period of the week that I sleep is on the weekend because there are a halt in proceedings on those days," one relative stated. Cellmates have according to accounts seen individuals they lived alongside for years being "taken kicking and screaming to their death." Broader Context The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, who assumed power in 2017, has presided over profound social changes, loosening some rules while simultaneously suppressing opposition. Although the country has opened up in a bid to diversify its economy, its human rights record remains "poor" according to global watchdogs. "There have been no consequences for proceeding with these executions," commented a expert focusing on the region. "High-profile activities continue with little backlash." Allegations suggest families of the executed are usually left in the dark, not given the remains, and not told the location of graves. International Response A global human rights official has demanded an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, advocating for eventual elimination. The official also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international protections," including representation and consular access for foreign nationals. Particular executions have drawn focused criticism, including those of individuals who were under the age of majority at the time of their charged acts and a reporter executed on national security allegations. "Capital punishment against media workers is a frightening blow on free speech," declared a senior UN cultural official. In a official communication to international queries, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture." The communication added that the ultimate sentence is applied solely for the "gravest offences" and after exhausting all legal processes.