Escalation of Executions in Saudi Arabia: Tally Exceeds 1,800 Under King Salman

Escalation of Executions in Saudi Arabia: Tally Exceeds 1,800 Under King Salman
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In a chilling report that points to a significant escalation of capital punishment in Saudi Arabia, human rights organizations have warned that the country is on a trajectory to set a new record for executions in 2025.

According to Shia Waves Persian, the European-Saudi Organization for Human Rights (ESOHR) and Amnesty International have documented a troubling trend, with at least 180 people executed in the first half of 2025 alone. This pace, if sustained, is set to surpass the record of 345 executions that occurred in 2024.

This wave of executions contributes to a grim total that has now exceeded 1,800 since King Salman’s reign began in January 2015. The reports highlight that a large number of these executions are for non-lethal crimes, particularly drug-related offenses, in a reversal of previous commitments to limit the use of the death penalty. A significant number of those executed are foreign nationals, many of whom reportedly lack adequate legal representation. Human rights experts view this as a clear sign of escalating political and judicial repression within the Kingdom.