The Washington Centre for Human Rights expresses deep concern over the alarming rise in executions carried out by Saudi Arabia since the beginning of 2024. According to official reports, more than 300 executions have taken place, an unprecedented number when compared to the kingdom’s usual annual totals of around 100 to 150. This sharp increase in state-sanctioned killings calls for immediate scrutiny and raises significant human rights issues.
The Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia recently confirmed the execution of three foreign nationals for drug trafficking and one individual for murder, bringing the total number of executions to 303. The month of September alone saw a staggering 198 executions, the highest monthly figure in the past three decades. Such a steep rise in executions casts doubt on the kingdom’s commitment to human rights and justice, particularly as it continues to push for reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 agenda, which aims to improve the country’s global image.
The Washington Centre for Human Rights has long been critical of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and remains deeply concerned that these executions are part of a broader trend of human rights violations. Amnesty International recently ranked Saudi Arabia as the third-highest executor globally, following China and Iran. The fact that the kingdom is executing individuals at such an alarming rate raises critical questions about the fairness of its judicial system and the underlying motivations for such a drastic approach to punishment.
One of the most troubling aspects of this issue is the disconnect between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s earlier statements about reducing the number of executions. In the past, he had publicly expressed the intention to limit executions to only the most severe cases, such as murder or threats to life. However, the stark rise in executions in 2024 directly contradicts these claims. This raises concerns that the promised reforms under Vision 2030 are not being fully implemented, or worse, that they are being used to improve the regime’s image internationally without tangible changes on the ground.
The Washington Centre for Human Rights also highlights the increasingly concerning issue of the treatment of foreign nationals under Saudi Arabia’s judicial system. Many of the individuals executed in 2024 were foreign nationals, often accused of drug trafficking. Human rights organizations have raised alarms about the fairness of trials in these cases, noting that foreign defendants frequently face exploitation and may not receive a fair trial due to the influence of drug trafficking networks or political interests. The lack of transparency and accountability in these trials further exacerbates concerns about the kingdom’s respect for international human rights standards.
The scale of these executions also raises broader questions about Saudi Arabia’s commitment to its obligations under international law. Despite its efforts to enhance its image on the global stage, particularly through its Vision 2030 agenda, the kingdom’s actions are inconsistent with the principles of justice and human rights. The continued execution of individuals for non-violent offenses, especially those related to drug trafficking, sends a troubling message about the kingdom’s approach to law and order. It suggests a prioritization of punishment over rehabilitation and raises questions about the fairness and impartiality of the legal system.
Furthermore, the use of the death penalty in Saudi Arabia is a stark reminder of the country’s failure to address systemic issues in its legal and penal systems. The surge in executions suggests that the regime is not committed to meaningful reforms or improvements in human rights but is instead reinforcing a harsh and punitive approach that fails to respect the dignity and rights of individuals. The international community must take a stronger stance against these violations, pressuring Saudi Arabia to adhere to international human rights standards and demand an end to the current wave of executions.
The Washington Centre for Human Rights condemns the actions of Saudi Arabia’s government in the strongest terms and calls for immediate action from the international community to address this growing crisis. It is critical that the global community not turn a blind eye to these violations and instead hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its actions. Only through sustained pressure and engagement can the cycle of human rights abuses in the kingdom be broken, and true reform be achieved.
The Washington Centre for Human Rights will continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate for the protection of human rights in Saudi Arabia, particularly for those facing the death penalty. The fight for justice and dignity for all individuals, regardless of nationality, remains a central focus of our work, and we will not cease in our efforts to bring attention to these grave violations.