Saudi Arabia Records Highest-Ever Executions in a Single Year, Rights Groups Alarmed
Saudi Arabia has set a grim new record by carrying out the highest number of executions in its history in a single year, intensifying global concern over the kingdom’s use of the death penalty. According to an AFP tally based on official statements, 340 people have been executed so far this year, surpassing the previous record of 338 executions in 2024. This marks the second consecutive year Saudi Arabia has broken its own execution record.
The latest increase follows confirmation from the Saudi Interior Ministry that three people were executed for murder in Mecca on Monday, pushing the annual total to unprecedented levels.
Drug Cases Dominate Death Sentences
A large majority of executions this year — 232 cases — were linked to drug-related offenses, drawing sharp criticism from international human rights organizations. Activists argue that international law restricts the death penalty to the “most serious crimes,” typically defined as intentional killing, a standard they say Saudi Arabia routinely violates.
In addition to drug-related cases, numerous executions were carried out on terrorism charges, often brought under laws critics describe as vague, overly broad, and open to abuse.
Saudi Arabia resumed executions for drug-related offenses in late 2022 after a three-year suspension, a move that has since led to a sharp and sustained rise in death sentences.
Executions of Minors Spark Outrage
Human rights groups have expressed particular shock over reports that at least two people executed in recent months were minors at the time of their alleged crimes. Such executions directly violate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Saudi Arabia has ratified.
In 2020, following intense international pressure, Saudi authorities announced that minors would no longer face the death penalty. However, advocacy groups say the promise has not been upheld. UK-based rights organization ALQST reports that at least five more prisoners who were minors when accused of their crimes remain on death row and could be executed at any time.
Concerns Over Fair Trials and Torture
ALQST researcher Nadeen Abdulaziz described Saudi Arabia’s approach as showing a “cruel and dangerous disregard for the right to life.” She alleged that in many cases, confessions were obtained through torture, trials were deeply flawed, and death sentences were issued without due process.
Rights groups also note that a significant proportion of those executed are foreign nationals, particularly in drug-related cases, raising concerns about language barriers, access to legal representation, and diplomatic protections.
Among the World’s Top Executioners
According to Amnesty International, Saudi Arabia ranked as the third-highest executioner globally, after China and Iran, in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Preliminary data for 2025 suggests the situation may worsen further if current trends continue.
As executions surge year after year, international pressure is mounting on Saudi Arabia to reform its criminal justice system, limit the use of capital punishment, and comply with global human rights standards. For now, however, the kingdom’s execution rate continues to climb, deepening concerns over the future of human rights in the country.
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