Sun Nov 17 22:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Saudi Arabia’s Executions Surge to Record High, Sparking International Condemnation

**RIYADH, November 18, 2024** – Saudi Arabia has executed over 100 foreign nationals this year, marking a dramatic surge in executions and prompting widespread international criticism. According to an AFP tally based on official Saudi Press Agency reports, at least 101 foreigners have been executed in 2024, nearly tripling the figures from 2023 and 2022. This unprecedented number includes nationals from Pakistan, Yemen, Syria, Nigeria, Egypt, Jordan, Ethiopia, Sudan, India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Eritrea and the Philippines.

The European-Saudi Organisation for Human Rights (ESOHR) has denounced the sharp increase, stating that it represents a record high for the number of foreign nationals executed in a single year. Taha al-Hajji, the group’s legal director, emphasized that Saudi Arabia has never before executed 100 foreigners in a single year.

The majority of executions this year stem from drug-related offenses. Saudi Arabia ended a three-year moratorium on executing drug offenders in 2022, a factor contributing to the significant rise in the death penalty’s application. This is despite statements made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2022 to The Atlantic, claiming the kingdom had effectively abolished the death penalty except for murder cases and instances of individuals posing a threat to many lives.

The overall number of executions in Saudi Arabia in 2024 is also on track to exceed 300, according to AFP, exceeding even the previous record of 274 executions in 1995, surpassing the previous record of 196 executions in 2022. This has placed Saudi Arabia among the top three executioners globally, alongside China and Iran.

Human rights groups and international observers have condemned the Kingdom’s continued use of capital punishment, particularly the high number of executions of foreign nationals who are often denied fair trials, access to legal representation, and due process. ESOHR highlights the vulnerability of foreign defendants, claiming they often face a higher barrier to fair trials and are frequently victims of major drug dealers, suffering violations from arrest to execution.

The increase in executions contradicts Saudi Arabia’s efforts to project a modernized, more tolerant image to attract international investment and tourism. Advocates like Jeed Basyouni of Reprieve have warned that the persistent drug arrests fuel a cycle of violence, leading to this unprecedented “execution crisis.” Families of those on death row are reportedly living in fear of further executions.

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