🔗 Share this article Human Rights Organizations Denounce New Record in Executions in the Kingdom Issam al-Shazly was executed after a drug conviction. The Kingdom has broken its prior execution tally for the carrying out of death sentences for a second year running. At least 347 persons have been put to death so far this year, according to a British campaign group that records such cases. This figure is higher than the total of 345 recorded in 2024, marking what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began." The newest cases carried out involved two individuals from Pakistan sentenced on charges related to narcotics. Analysis of the Sentences Further cases this year include a reporter and two youths who were children at the time of their alleged protest-related crimes. Five were female. However, according to the monitoring group, the majority—around two-thirds—were convicted for non-lethal drug-related offences. Global organizations have said that applying the ultimate sentence for such violations is "violates international norms and standards." More than half of those put to death were foreign nationals, implicated in what is described as a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom. "The authorities are acting with complete impunity now," remarked a representative of the campaign. "It's almost flouting the international rights framework." The representative further labeled extracted statements through mistreatment 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 reportedly claimed he was coerced into carrying illegal substances. Loved ones of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have given accounts privately the "dread" they now live in. "The single occasion of the week that I find peace is on those two days because there are no death sentences carried out on those days," one relative stated. Other prisoners have according to accounts witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged resisting violently to their death." Wider Backdrop The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has led major shifts in policy, loosening some limitations while at the same time cracking down on dissent. While the country has become more accessible in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to international observers. "There have been no consequences for going ahead with these executions," noted a expert focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with no repercussions." Claims suggest families of the deceased are usually given no prior notice, not given the remains, and not informed about burial sites. Global Condemnation A United Nations expert has demanded an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual elimination. The expert also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international protections," including access to lawyers and consular access for foreign nationals. Particular executions have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their alleged crimes and a journalist executed on national security allegations. "The death penalty against media workers is a chilling attack on free speech," said a leading UNESCO figure. In a written response to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture." The response continued that the death penalty is imposed only for the "gravest offences" and after concluding all court appeals.
Issam al-Shazly was executed after a drug conviction. The Kingdom has broken its prior execution tally for the carrying out of death sentences for a second year running. At least 347 persons have been put to death so far this year, according to a British campaign group that records such cases. This figure is higher than the total of 345 recorded in 2024, marking what the group calls the "most lethal year of executions in the kingdom since monitoring began." The newest cases carried out involved two individuals from Pakistan sentenced on charges related to narcotics. Analysis of the Sentences Further cases this year include a reporter and two youths who were children at the time of their alleged protest-related crimes. Five were female. However, according to the monitoring group, the majority—around two-thirds—were convicted for non-lethal drug-related offences. Global organizations have said that applying the ultimate sentence for such violations is "violates international norms and standards." More than half of those put to death were foreign nationals, implicated in what is described as a "campaign against narcotics" within the kingdom. "The authorities are acting with complete impunity now," remarked a representative of the campaign. "It's almost flouting the international rights framework." The representative further labeled extracted statements through mistreatment 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 reportedly claimed he was coerced into carrying illegal substances. Loved ones of men on facing capital sentences for drug charges have given accounts privately the "dread" they now live in. "The single occasion of the week that I find peace is on those two days because there are no death sentences carried out on those days," one relative stated. Other prisoners have according to accounts witnessed individuals they lived alongside for years being "dragged resisting violently to their death." Wider Backdrop The paramount authority of Saudi Arabia, whose rise began in 2017, has led major shifts in policy, loosening some limitations while at the same time cracking down on dissent. While the country has become more accessible in a bid to broaden its financial base, its human rights record remains "deeply concerning" according to international observers. "There have been no consequences for going ahead with these executions," noted a expert focusing on the region. "International gatherings continue with no repercussions." Claims suggest families of the deceased are usually given no prior notice, not given the remains, and not informed about burial sites. Global Condemnation A United Nations expert has demanded an instant halt on executions in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of eventual elimination. The expert also stressed the need for "complete obedience with international protections," including access to lawyers and consular access for foreign nationals. Particular executions have drawn special condemnation, including those of individuals who were juveniles at the time of their alleged crimes and a journalist executed on national security allegations. "The death penalty against media workers is a chilling attack on free speech," said a leading UNESCO figure. In a written response to raised allegations, Saudi authorities have asserted that the country "defends and maintains human rights" and that its laws "prohibit and punish torture." The response continued that the death penalty is imposed only for the "gravest offences" and after concluding all court appeals.