Rights groups condemn new record number of executions in Saudi Arabia

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 5 min read 100% complete December 21, 2025 at 01:08 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

Saudi Arabia has surpassed its record for annual executions for the second consecutive year, with at least 347 people put to death in 2024, according to Reprieve. This marks the highest number of executions since monitoring began, with a significant portion related to non-lethal drug offenses. Rights groups, including Reprieve, condemn the rise, highlighting that many of those executed were foreign nationals, and that torture and forced confessions are allegedly endemic within the Saudi criminal justice system. The executions have continued since the end of an unofficial moratorium in late 2022, despite UN concerns that drug-related executions are incompatible with international norms. Recently executed individuals include Pakistani nationals, a journalist, and an Egyptian fisherman convicted on drug charges.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Pakistan 40% Egypt 50% UN ×260% Issam al-Shazly ×270% Jeed Basyouni ×275% Reprieve ×485% Saudi Arabia ×695%

Keywords

executions 100% saudi arabia 90% death penalty 80% drug-related offences 70% human rights 60% foreign nationals 50% reprieve 50% torture 40% forced confessions 40%