Human rights activists are concerned that the past year saw a dramatic surge in the total number of executions in Saudi Arabia, more than doubling annually.
The European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights (ESOHR) documented following 345 executions during 2024, more than double the 172 in 2023. This means that one execution occurs around every 25 hours.
The rights group observed a sharp increase in the number of executions related to drug offenses, as well as an all-time high number of foreign nationals and women executed. However, the data remains hidden, and ESOHR suspects the actual figure is probably significantly greater.
The report states that in 2024, there was a significant rise in Taazir rulings – discretionary punishments without Sharia definition – and increasing transparency deficits by the interior ministry over charges in relation to executions. Taazir sentences accounted for 40 percent of all executions in 2024, up from 36.49 percent in 2023.
The rise in discretionary death sentences indicates Saudi Arabia is not likely to honor its recent promises to reduce the death penalty for crimes without clear Sharia criteria. This also points to an expansive approach to punishments that goes beyond Sharia law standards.
Soaring executions of women and foreigners
ESOHR reported nine executions of women in 2024, compared to six the year before. Four Nigerian women, all executed for drug-related offenses, were among the majority of women executed.
Execution of foreign nationals increased to 138, more than 38 in 2023. In 2022, Saudi Arabia lifted a three-year prohibition on imposing the death penalty on drug criminals, increasing the execution of drug criminals. ESOHR reports that 122 individuals were put to death for drug crime in 2024, a big rise from the two previous years.
Out of 122 foreigners convicted of drugs and sentenced to death, 30 were non-Saudis. Foreign executions were driven upward by Saudi authorities’ attempts at curbing prison overcrowding, which consisted mainly of foreign prisoners.
The inability of international governments to criticize the kingdom’s human rights violations has encouraged Riyadh to intensify executions. The most plausible reasoning lies in the broader context of the growing endorsement of Saudi Arabia’s leadership and Mohammed bin Salman in recent years.
Ultimately, the leaders of Saudi Arabia bear the primary responsibility for any execution. The onus of responsibility is, first and foremost, that of Saudi Arabia’s rulers, with the king himself issuing each fatwa of execution, thereby having the authority to stop it. But worldwide leaders, those who have backed Saudi rulers such as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the last few years, are also responsible for letting human rights slide down their list of priorities. This is undoubtedly one part of a larger culture of worldwide impunity.