RIYADH – Saudi Arabia has announced the execution of two more individuals for drug trafficking, pushing this year’s total to 106. Among those executed recently were a Saudi national and a Pakistani citizen. The Saudi was punished for trafficking amphetamines, while the Pakistani faced execution in a heroin case.
The kingdom resumed drug-related executions in late 2022 after a nearly three-year pause. Out of the 106 executions so far this year, seven were linked to drug offenses.
In 2023, Saudi Arabia has executed at least 170 people, including 33 for terrorism-related crimes. This marks a sharp increase compared to last year’s total of 74 executions.
The European-Saudi Organisation for Human Rights has criticized the frequency of executions, noting that carrying out one execution nearly every two days represents a significant use of the death penalty, which contradicts international norms and the kingdom’s own commitments.
This year’s executions have included 78 Saudis, eight Yemenis, five Ethiopians, seven Pakistanis, three Syrians, and individuals from Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Jordan, India, and Sudan. Notably, two of those executed were women.
According to Amnesty International, Saudi Arabia’s execution rate in 2023 is surpassed only by China and Iran. The kingdom, known for its beheadings, faced global condemnation after executing 81 people in a single day in March 2022.
While Saudi officials argue that these executions are crucial for upholding Sharia law and maintaining public order, critics argue that such practices undermine efforts to present a more progressive image under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 reform agenda.