At Least 338 Executions in Saudi Arabia in 2024, Over 100 for Drug Trafficking
In a grim tally, at least 338 individuals were put to death in Saudi Arabia in 2024, with a staggering 117 executions linked to drug trafficking, according to a AFP survey. This figure underscores the kingdom’s persistent crackdown on narcotics-related offenses, a policy that has drawn international criticism.
The most recent cluster of executions saw six Iranian nationals lose their lives in the Saudi city of Dammam, although the exact dates of these killings remain undisclosed. This event has sparked diplomatic backlash from Iran, with its foreign ministry summoning the Saudi Arabian ambassador in Tehran to lodge a "strong protest" against what it deems "unacceptable violations" of international norms.
Saudi Arabia had temporarily halted executions for drug trafficking offenders two years ago but appears to have since reinstated the practice. This move comes amidst international outcry over the country’s high number of executions, particularly for non-lethal crimes.
The kingdom ranked third in global execution figures in 2023, according to Amnesty International’s report. This sobering statistic is surpassed only by China and Iran. Saudi Arabia’s continued use of the death penalty, particularly for drug-related offenses, highlights an ongoing landscape of human rights concerns despite the country’s ongoing reform efforts.
