Saudi Arabia has set a new record for executions, reaching at least 347 this year alone, according to the UK-based group Reprieve. This figure surpasses last year’s total of 345 and marks the deadliest year of executions since monitoring began.
The recent wave of executions has raised serious concerns. Among those executed were individuals accused of drug-related offenses, including two Pakistanis. However, a large proportion of the executions were for non-lethal crimes, primarily tied to drug offenses, prompting criticism from international human rights organizations.
Jeed Basyouni, from Reprieve, stated that around two thirds of those executed were convicted of non-lethal drug crimes. The UN has deemed these practices incompatible with international standards, highlighting the troubling trend of executing individuals for minor offenses. The recent executions also include a journalist and individuals who were minors during their alleged crimes.
In one notable case, Issam al-Shazly, an Egyptian fisherman, was executed after reportedly being forced into drug smuggling. His case exemplifies the chilling atmosphere felt by many facing death sentences in the country. Families of those on death row live in constant fear, with one relative sharing that the only peaceful nights come on weekends, when executions aren’t carried out.
The execution method remains undisclosed, but it is believed to involve beheading or firing squad. Objectively, the rise in executions aligns with a broader crackdown on dissent in the kingdom, despite reforms aimed at modernizing Saudi society. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has promoted social reforms, faces significant criticism for human rights abuses, with execution rates now rivaling those of China and Iran, known for their oppressive regimes.
Human Rights Watch also points out that the Saudi justice system is marred by torture and unfair trials, propelling people into an execution cycle without proper legal representation. Examples include young men like Abdullah al-Derazi, who protested government actions and were executed after unfair trials.
In light of these concerns, the UN has called for an immediate moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia. The hope is that such a step would eventually lead to the abolition of the death penalty altogether. Advocacy groups reinforce this urgency, emphasizing that the executions reflect a broader climate of oppression, with innocent lives caught in a rigid legal system.
As global awareness of these issues grows, conversations around human rights standards continue to evolve, pushing for a reassessment of punitive measures in the context of modern justice. The narrative of fear, injustice, and despair in Saudi Arabia remains critical in discussions of global human rights in 2025.
For more insights on human rights issues in Saudi Arabia, you can visit the Human Rights Watch website.
