Saudi Arabia had its highest number of executions ever in 2025. A human rights group says 347 people were put to death. This is more than the 345 in 2024.
Most of these were for drug crimes. This shows a big rise in the use of the death penalty.
Key Numbers from 2025
- Total executions: 347 (new record)
- Drug-related: 238 (about 69% of all)
- For cannabis only: 97 (big jump from 15 in 2024)
- Foreigners executed: 202 (57% of total, most for drugs)
- Two people executed for crimes done as minors
These numbers come from the European-Saudi Organisation for Human Rights (ESOHR). They track cases closely. Groups like Reprieve and Amnesty International also report similar high numbers.
Why So Many for Drugs?
Saudi Arabia fights hard against drugs. The country has high demand and is in a spot where drugs pass through easily.
In 2022, they started executions for drug crimes again after a pause. The law says death for smuggling drugs, even if no one dies.
First-time offenders might get jail or whips. But repeat ones can get death. Many foreigners get caught and face this.
Other Worries
Rights groups say trials are not fair. Some people face torture to confess. Families often do not know until after.
Two young people were executed for things they did as kids. This goes against world rules.
ESOHR says this rise shows no real change in human rights. It hurts poor and foreign people most.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman once said he wanted fewer executions. But numbers keep going up.
What This Means
Saudi Arabia wants to look modern with big events and changes. But high executions get criticism from the world.
Many ask for a stop to the death penalty. For now, it keeps going strong, mostly for drugs.
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