In 2024, Saudi Arabia executed 330 individuals, marking the highest number in decades and contradicting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s 2022 assertion that the death penalty would be reserved only for murder cases. This sharp increase has drawn criticism, especially as the kingdom seeks to transform its global image under the Vision 2030 plan, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as a hub for tourism and entertainment.
The figures, compiled by the human rights organization Reprieve and verified by independent sources, show a significant rise from the 172 executions reported in 2023 and 196 in 2022. Reprieve noted that this year’s toll is the highest ever recorded. “This reform narrative is overshadowed by the unprecedented number of executions,” said Jeed Basyouni from Reprieve.
A Mix of Non-Lethal Crimes and Foreign Nationals
More than 150 of those executed were charged with non-lethal offenses, including drug smuggling and alleged terrorism. Many of these cases involved foreign nationals from regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Rights groups have argued that these charges often stem from non-violent actions like anti-government protests, raising questions about the fairness of the trials.
The flood of captagon—a potent amphetamine-like drug—from Syria under the regime of Bashar al-Assad has been a significant factor in the increase in drug-related executions. Human rights advocates claim that these executions violate international laws prohibiting capital punishment for non-lethal crimes.
Legal System and International Criticism
The Saudi legal system has been criticized for its opacity and lack of due process. Relatives of death row inmates report challenges in accessing legal representation or evidence. One foreign national accused of drug smuggling was allegedly arrested while fishing, with no legal support provided. Another defendant’s family attended court sessions for over three years without hearing any substantive evidence against him.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has faced global scrutiny since taking power in 2017, including backlash over the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. While MBS claimed in a 2022 interview that Saudi Arabia had restricted the death penalty to murder cases, human rights organizations contend that the recent surge in executions tells a different story.
Contrasting Reforms and Repression
Saudi Arabia is simultaneously striving to reshape its image by hosting global events like the 2034 FIFA World Cup and promoting modern infrastructure projects. However, these efforts are overshadowed by accusations of repression and human rights violations.
Although public executions have largely ceased, with the former execution grounds now replaced by cafes and restaurants, critics argue that the kingdom’s crackdown on dissent has intensified. Dana Ahmed, a researcher at Amnesty International, stated, “Repression is increasing, but it’s more hidden now.”
Balancing Reforms and Accountability
While Vision 2030 seeks to showcase Saudi Arabia as a progressive nation, the ongoing executions have raised questions about the authenticity of these reforms. As the global community monitors the kingdom’s actions, balancing economic transformation with human rights accountability remains a critical challenge for its leadership.
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