Saudi Arabia Executes Record 345 Including Foreigners, Drug Offenders

Saudi Arabia has executed a record 345 people in 2024, the highest annual total in over three decades, with 180 executions reported in the first half of 2025, indicating the trend may continue. Approximately two-thirds of those executed in 2025 were convicted on non-lethal drug-related offenses, a practice sharply criticized by Amnesty International and activist groups for violating international law, which limits the death penalty to the most serious crimes involving intentional killing. The surge disproportionately affects foreign nationals, who account for over half of those executed, many of whom face unfair trials, inadequate legal representation, and convictions based on confessions allegedly obtained under torture. Despite Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's 2022 statement that the death penalty would be limited to homicide cases, executions for drug offenses have intensified, contradicting his claims and the kingdom's Vision 2030 reform goals. Activists are calling for urgent reforms and mass pardons to align Saudi Arabia's judicial practices with international human rights standards. The kingdom has not publicly explained the reasons behind the increased use of the death penalty for nonviolent drug crimes.