Saudi Arabia has executed 198 people in 2024, according to an AFP count based on official media, marking a record that has not been seen for over 30 years.
Saudi Arabia is the nation with the highest number of executions globally, following China and Iran. Amnesty International has tracked executions in the kingdom since 1990, highlighting extensive application of Islamic law.
The previous execution record in Saudi Arabia was 196 in 2022.
On Saturday, Amnesty International accused Saudi authorities of “engaging in a murderous madness,” confirming the grim total of 198 executions in the Gulf monarchy since the start of the year.
“Riyadh’s application of the death penalty has been criticized for being excessive and inconsistent with the crown prince’s promises of modernization.” – Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International
Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnes Callamard, stressed that Riyadh displays “a frightening disregard for human life while leading a meaningless campaign to improve its image.” She urged the kingdom to establish a moratorium on executions and retrial of those sentenced to death in line with international standards.
Jeed Basyouni, the Middle East director of Reprieve, commented on the recent surge in executions, indicating that Saudi Arabia has seemingly abandoned any pretense of reform concerning capital punishment. He remarked that recent promises for reform have either not materialized or have been reversed.
Execution Statistics for 2024
According to the latest AFP count, 2024 has seen 52 individuals executed for narcotics-related offenses and 32 for terrorism. The largest mass execution in Saudi history occurred in March 2022 when 81 individuals were executed in a single day.
| Year | Total Executions | Notable Cases |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 196 | – Largest single-day execution of 81 individuals |
| 2023 | 138 | – Worldwide leader behind China and Iran |
| 2024 (as of September) | 198 | – Surge in narcotics and terrorism executions |
Saudi Arabia justifies the use of the death penalty as essential for maintaining public order, claiming that execution sentences are applied only after all legal avenues have been exhausted.
This current upsurge in executions appears to contradict Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s assertions to the American magazine The Atlantic in 2022, where he emphasized that the kingdom had effectively minimized the use of the death penalty.
Human Rights Concerns and International Reactions
Despite the crown prince’s claims, the number of executions has increased significantly, prompting a collective response from 31 Arab and international human rights organizations. They recently condemned the “sharp increase” in executions related to drug offenses, reflecting a growing concern that contradicts previous international urges for a moratorium on the death penalty.
As part of these discussions, at a September conference, several NGOs argued for the immediate cessation of executions in drug-related cases, citing that many sentenced for such crimes do not receive fair trials.
What Does This Mean for Saudi Arabia’s Image?
The increase in executions stands in stark contrast to Saudi Arabia’s aspirations to portray itself as a moderate and reformist nation. This contradiction raises concerns over the broader implications for the country’s image on the global stage.
As international pressure on Riyadh diminishes, the kingdom may feel freer to act according to its established practices without significant fear of repercussions. Activists emphasize that this shift potentially undermines any progress made in addressing human rights concerns.
Outlook For The Future
As Saudi Arabia continues to impose heavy penalties for narcotics offenses and terrorism, the question remains: will there be a prompt change in policy following heightened international scrutiny?
For now, the ongoing executions serve as a reaffirming reminder of the complex interplay between human rights, governance and international image in Saudi Arabia. The global community watches closely as the kingdom’s actions unfold against a backdrop of criticism and advocacy for reform.