This year, Saudi Arabia recorded the highest number of executions in its history, surpassing the previous record of 196 executions in 2022, as reported by the Human Rights Commission. With
197 executions recorded in 2024, the total number of executions carried out during the decade of King Salman bin Abdulaziz's rule, alongside Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has reached
1,336.
The European Saudi Organization for Human Rights sees this record as a key manifestation of the violence that has marked the last ten years. It further emphasizes the absence of any serious intent to reduce the use of the death penalty, despite repeated promises and international criticism.
The organization points out that details surrounding the executions in 2024 reveal additional dimensions of this violence. It has observed an official trend of concealing information that was previously available, such as the court that issued the ruling. The organization believes that these cases likely went before the Specialized Criminal Court, which deals with political and terrorism-related cases, and the Criminal Court for drug and murder cases. In some instances, the type of sentence—whether it was based on a fixed Islamic penalty (Hadd), retribution (Qisas), or discretionary punishment (Ta'zir)—was also withheld.
In addition, ESOHR documented 52 executions related to drug offenses this year, a significant number following official uncertainty about this issue. Saudi Arabia had experienced repeated halts in the execution of drug-related sentences and made conflicting statements regarding their suspension. These executions represent a blatant violation of human rights, with several defendants reporting abuses, including deprivation of basic rights, such as the right to self-defense, as well as being subjected to torture and ill-treatment.
Despite repeated official promises, including statements by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about halting executions for crimes that do not involve killing, the European Saudi Organization documented 30 executions for political charges or alleged membership in terrorist organizations, none of which involved murder. International law advises countries that still enforce the death penalty to limit its use to the most serious offenses, such as murder.
ESOHR believes that this unprecedented number of executions underscores Saudi Arabia's insistence on maintaining its position among the top executioners globally, where it has consistently ranked third in recent years. This has contributed to the global rise in execution rates. Furthermore, the organization asserts that these figures reveal the true face of Saudi Arabia, despite its repeated attempts to whitewash its image through claims of human rights reforms and adherence to international standards on global platforms.
ESOHR affirms that Saudi Arabia continues to use the death penalty in a violent and expansive manner, in direct conflict with its international obligations. It also exploits this punishment as a tool of control and intimidation against society. The organization argues that the absence of civil society, following the eradication of organizations and the silencing of activists, hinders any effective internal debate on the use of this punishment, including the extremist interpretations that lead to such sentences and the violations that mar the trials.
In light of these circumstances and the high numbers of executions, the European Saudi Organization for Human Rights confirms that the government uses the death penalty as an arbitrary and political tool of repression, making any talk of reform or change impossible as long as this practice continues.
Source:
ESOHR, Staff, September 30, 2024
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"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,
but by the punishments that the good have inflicted."
— Oscar Wilde
