On July 28, 2025, reports confirmed that Saudi Arabia has executed over 200 individuals this year, with 144 executions linked to drug-related offenses, as part of the Kingdom’s intensified “war on drugs” launched in 2023. This alarming figure positions Saudi Arabia to surpass its 2024 record of 338 executions, drawing sharp criticism from international human rights organizations. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have condemned the surge, highlighting the lack of transparency in trials and the disproportionate use of capital punishment for non-violent crimes.
The Saudi government defends its stance, arguing that the death penalty deters drug trafficking, which it views as a growing threat to national security. Most executions were carried out for smuggling or possessing narcotics, with public beheadings remaining the primary method. Critics argue that the judicial process often lacks due process, with confessions allegedly obtained under duress and limited access to legal representation for defendants, many of whom are foreign nationals.
Human rights groups also point to the broader context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms, which aim to modernize the economy but have not extended to liberalizing judicial practices. The international community, including the United Nations, has called for a moratorium on executions, urging the Kingdom to align with global human rights standards. As the year progresses, the rising execution toll continues to spark debate over Saudi Arabia’s legal and moral priorities.
