Saudi Arabia records highest executions in decades
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 […]
