Saudi Arabia has set a new and alarming record for executions in a single year
Saudi Arabia has once again drawn global attention for its use of the death penalty after officially surpassing its own annual execution record. According to a detailed tally by Agence France-Presse (AFP), the Kingdom has executed 340 individuals in a single year, marking the highest number ever recorded in its modern history. The grim milestone was reached following the execution of three individuals in Mecca, convicted of murder, as confirmed by the Saudi interior ministry.
This new total exceeds the previous record of 338 executions documented in 2024—an already controversial figure that had sparked widespread criticism from international human rights organizations.
How the Numbers Add Up
While AFP places the execution count at 340, leading human rights organizations present an even more alarming picture. Groups including **Amnesty International, Alqst, and Reprieve** estimate that Saudi Arabia carried out as many as 345 executions in 2024, suggesting discrepancies in official transparency and monitoring.
Regardless of the precise figure, there is no dispute that Saudi Arabia executions record has reached unprecedented levels, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position among the world’s leading executioners.
Executions of Minors: A Serious Legal Violation
One of the most troubling aspects of the recent surge is the execution of individuals who were minors at the time of their alleged crimes. In recent months, Saudi authorities have carried out death sentences against at least two men who were under the age of 18 when the offenses occurred.
Such actions directly violate international human rights law, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Saudi Arabia is a signatory. Under international standards, imposing the death penalty on juvenile offenders is strictly prohibited, making these cases particularly contentious on the global stage.
Saudi Arabia’s Global Standing on Executions
According to Amnesty International, Saudi Arabia ranked as the **third-highest executioner globally** in 2022, 2023, and 2024—surpassed only by China and Iran. This consistent ranking underscores a sustained reliance on capital punishment despite repeated calls for reform.
The Kingdom enforces the death penalty for a wide range of crimes, including murder, drug trafficking, terrorism-related offenses, and certain non-violent crimes, often under judicial processes criticized for lacking due transparency.
International Reactions and Mounting Pressure
The sharp rise in executions has reignited international condemnation. Human rights advocates argue that Saudi Arabia’s expanding use of capital punishment contradicts its ongoing efforts to project a reformist image under its Vision 2030 initiative.
Governments, advocacy groups, and UN bodies continue to urge Saudi authorities to impose a moratorium on executions, particularly in cases involving juveniles and non-violent offenses. Calls for judicial reforms, fair trials, and alignment with international legal norms are growing louder with each new report.
A Moment of Reckoning
The Saudi Arabia executions record is more than just a statistic—it represents a profound human rights challenge with global implications. As executions continue at a historic pace, the Kingdom faces mounting scrutiny over its legal system and its commitment to international conventions.
Whether this record-breaking year becomes a turning point for reform or a continuation of entrenched practices remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the world is watching closely.
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