Saudi Arabia has carried out over 300 executions since the start of 2024, marking an unprecedented figure, according to an AFP tally based on official government announcements. This number significantly exceeds the kingdom’s previous annual averages of 100 to 150 executions.
The Ministry of Interior recently confirmed the execution of three foreign nationals for drug trafficking and one individual for murder, raising the total to 303. In September alone, Saudi Arabia recorded 198 executions—the highest monthly total in 30 years.
The sharp increase in executions has drawn international condemnation, especially as the kingdom seeks to enhance its global image under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 reform agenda. Amnesty International ranks Saudi Arabia third globally for executions in recent years, behind China and Iran.
Critics have highlighted a disconnect between the Crown Prince’s earlier statements about reducing executions to cases involving murder or threats to life and the current figures. Human rights groups have also voiced concerns about the treatment of foreign defendants, citing unfair trials and exploitation by drug trafficking networks.
