Saudi Arabia Reports Rise in Executions

Saudi Arabia’s judicial system has come under unprecedented international scrutiny following a staggering surge in executions in 2025. The kingdom set a new record with 356 individuals executed, a troubling trend largely driven by an intensified “war on drugs” that disproportionately targets foreign nationals. This drastic escalation, which included the execution of minors, has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and is straining Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic efforts as it attempts to modernize its global image.

Story Highlights

Record 356 executions in 2025, highest in Saudi history.
Majority executed for drug-related crimes, many foreign nationals.
Continued execution of minors defies international laws.
Global outcry over human rights violations escalates.

Record Breaking Execution Numbers

In 2025, Saudi Arabia executed a staggering 356 individuals, setting a new record for the highest number of executions in a single year. This marks the second consecutive year of record-breaking execution figures, highlighting a troubling trend under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership. The surge is largely attributed to the kingdom’s intensified “war on drugs,” where drug-related offences accounted for the majority of executions, a significant portion involving foreign nationals.

International human rights organizations have voiced strong opposition to these executions, emphasizing the violation of human rights, especially concerning the execution of minors and individuals charged with nonlethal drug offenses. The execution of two minors and an alarming number of foreign nationals has drawn widespread condemnation from organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, which highlight the inconsistency of these actions with international human rights standards.

Saudi authorities executed at least 356 people in 2025, setting a new record in the country for the highest number of executions in one year since monitoring began.

This is the second year in a row that Saudi authorities have set a new execution record. https://t.co/kpkyJu62YK

— Human Rights Watch (@hrw) January 13, 2026

Impact on International Relations

The execution of 188 foreign nationals for drug-related offences has strained Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic relations with several countries, whose nationals were disproportionately affected. This has led to increased diplomatic tensions and scrutiny from the international community. Human rights organizations argue that these executions are not only a violation of international law but also undermine Saudi Arabia’s global image as it attempts to modernize through initiatives like Vision 2030.

Despite Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s claims of reducing capital punishment, the kingdom’s actions suggest otherwise, as executions have become a near-daily occurrence. This inconsistency raises questions about the sincerity of Saudi Arabia’s commitments to human rights and judicial reform. The actions of the Saudi government have been described by human rights groups as politically motivated rather than based on due process.

Calls for International Intervention

The escalation of executions has prompted calls for immediate intervention from the global community. Human Rights Watch and Reprieve have urged international governments to pressure Saudi Arabia into halting executions and adhering to international human rights standards. They argue that the kingdom’s actions establish executions as the “new normal,” undermining claims of legal governance and rule of law.

As the world watches, the Saudi regime’s execution spree continues to spark outrage and concern. The international community remains vigilant, with human rights organizations leading the charge to bring about change and hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its actions. The plight of those at risk, including child defendants and foreign nationals, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform and accountability.

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