Saudi Arabia Records Record Number of Executions in 2025

Human Rights Watch reported that Saudi authorities carried out at least 356 executions in 2025, marking the highest annual total recorded and a slight increase from 345 executions in 2024. The organization noted that the rise is largely linked to sentences for non-lethal drug-related offenses, with around 240 of those executed convicted of drug crimes, most of whom were foreign nationals.

The report highlighted concerns over the execution of individuals allegedly convicted of crimes committed as minors, in violation of international law prohibiting the death penalty for children. Executions of political dissidents and activists were also cited, raising fears that the death penalty is being used to suppress freedom of expression and peaceful opposition.

Human Rights Watch emphasized that under international human rights law, including the Arab Charter on Human Rights, capital punishment should be reserved for the “most serious crimes” and applied only in exceptional circumstances. The organization called on the international community to pressure Saudi Arabia to halt executions and reform its laws in line with its international obligations.