Saudi Arabia has carried out a record number of executions for the second consecutive year, prompting renewed condemnation from international human rights organisations.
According to figures compiled by the UK-based advocacy group Reprieve, at least 347 people have been executed in the kingdom so far this year, exceeding the previous annual high of 345 recorded in 2024. The organisation says this makes 2025 the deadliest year since it began systematically tracking executions in the country.
The most recent executions involved two Pakistani nationals who had been convicted on drug-related charges. Reprieve reports that similar cases account for the majority of deaths this year, with roughly two-thirds of those executed sentenced for non-violent drug offences.
Human rights groups note that international law strongly discourages the use of capital punishment for crimes that do not involve intentional killing. The United Nations has repeatedly stated that applying the death penalty in such cases is incompatible with global human rights standards.
Those executed this year also include several high-profile and controversial cases. Reprieve says the list includes a journalist, two men who were minors at the time of the offences linked to protest activity, and five women. Overall, more than half of those put to death were foreign nationals, many of whom were migrant workers.
Campaigners argue that this pattern points to an aggressive anti-drug policy that disproportionately affects vulnerable and marginalised groups. They also raise concerns about the fairness of the Saudi justice system, citing allegations of torture, coerced confessions and limited access to legal defence.
Saudi authorities have not publicly commented on the latest figures or responded to media requests seeking clarification on the sharp rise in executions.
Reprieve describes the situation as a sign that Saudi Arabia is acting without fear of international consequences. The group warns that the growing number of executions undermines claims of judicial reform and calls on the international community to increase pressure on the kingdom to respect basic human rights and due process.
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