Saudi Arabia Records Unprecedented Number of Executions in 2025
Saudi authorities executed at least 356 people in 2025, setting a new national record for the highest annual number of executions since monitoring began. This figure, reported by Human Rights Watch (HRW) and corroborated by other human rights organizations and news agencies, marks the second consecutive year that Saudi Arabia has surpassed its previous execution record, following 345 executions in 2024.
The alarming increase has drawn sharp criticism from international human rights advocates, who point to systemic due process violations and the disproportionate targeting of foreign nationals.
Drug-Related Offenses Drive Execution Surge
A significant portion of the 2025 executions were linked to the kingdom's intensified 'war on drugs'. Official data indicates that 243 individuals were executed for drug-related cases in 2025 alone. Other reports specify that 240 of the 356 executions were for drug offenses, with 188 of these being foreign nationals. Overall, nearly 70 percent of those executed were foreign nationals.
Human rights organizations, including HRW, have consistently highlighted concerns that many of those executed did not receive fair trials. Joey Shea, a researcher for Saudi Arabia at Human Rights Watch, stated that 'Saudi authorities have weaponized the country's justice system to carry out a terrifying number of executions in 2025.'
Concerns Over Due Process and Juvenile Executions
The reports underscore widespread due process violations and systemic abuses against defendants within Saudi Arabia's courts and criminal justice system. Critics argue that these conditions make it highly improbable that any of those executed received a fair trial.
Furthermore, 2025 saw renewed concerns over the execution of individuals for crimes allegedly committed when they were minors. This includes the execution of Jalal al-Labbad in August 2025 and Abdullah al-Derazi on October 20, 2025, despite a 2020 Royal Decree that purportedly abolished the death penalty for minors. International human rights standards, such as the Arab Charter on Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, obligate signatory nations like Saudi Arabia to reserve the death penalty only for the 'most serious crimes' and explicitly prohibit its use for offenses committed by individuals under 18 years of age.
International Scrutiny and Contradictory Pledges
The surge in executions comes amidst repeated international calls for Saudi Arabia to address its human rights record. Despite previous statements from Saudi officials, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, suggesting a reduction in the use of capital punishment as part of the nation's Vision 2030 plan, the 2025 figures contradict these pledges.
The execution of journalist Turki al-Jasser in June 2025, known for exposing corruption, was also cited by HRW as an instance where the death penalty appeared to be used to suppress peaceful dissent.
8 Comments
Habibi
HRW always exaggerates. They don't understand the local context.
Muchacho
Targeting foreign nationals and journalists is a cowardly abuse of power.
Coccinella
While it's important for any country to maintain law and order, the sheer number of executions and reports of unfair trials are deeply concerning. There needs to be more transparency in their justice system.
Comandante
Every nation has the right to enforce its own laws. This is internal affairs.
Mariposa
Saudi Arabia has a sovereign right to its legal system, however, the international community has clear standards on capital punishment, especially regarding minors. This record high number will undoubtedly damage their global reputation and diplomatic relations.
Donatello
So much for 'Vision 2030'. Their pledges are meaningless words.
Raphael
356 executions is a horrifying number. This is state-sponsored violence.
Michelangelo
The increase in executions, particularly for drug-related offenses, indicates a very strict approach to crime. However, the documented concerns from human rights organizations about due process must be addressed to ensure true justice is being served.