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3mo ago

Saudi Arabia Breaks Half-Year Execution Record Fueled by Drug Convictions

Two-thirds of those executed were convicted on nonviolent drug offences under strict anti-narcotics laws chiefly affecting migrant workers.

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Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman is shown on Jeddah on March 20, 2024. At least one activist thinks the crown should discourage the use of the death penalty in drug possession cases.

Overview

  • Saudi Arabia executed 180 people between January and June 2025, putting this year on course to exceed last year’s total of 345 deaths.
  • Nonviolent drug convictions accounted for roughly 120 of these cases under the kingdom’s stringent narcotics legislation.
  • Migrant workers comprised about three-quarters of those facing drug-related death sentences and frequently lacked effective legal counsel and interpretation services.
  • Riyadh lifted a three-year moratorium on drug-related capital punishment late in 2023 without explanation, contradicting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vow to restrict executions to homicide.
  • Amnesty International and Reprieve have documented systemic unfair trial practices and are urging Saudi Arabia to halt its execution surge and honor its international human rights commitments.