Report: Saudi Arabia Executes Record 356 People in 2025
Is Saudi Arabia's surge in executions a human rights catastrophe, or the faithful application of religious law?
Above: The Riyadh skyline on Oct. 31, 2023. Image credit: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
The Spin
Government-critical narrative
Saudi Arabia's surge in executions is nothing less than a human rights catastrophe. The kingdom's disproportionate punishment of drug-related offenses notably violates international law and standards for capital punishment. Saudi Arabia, therefore, must immediately pause all further executions and make plans to abolish the archaic practice altogether.
Pro-government narrative
Saudi Arabia's implementation of the death penalty follows clear Koranic teachings that cannot be altered by any means, applying it only when the guilty party is convicted of murder or threatens the lives of many. Regardless of personal preference, Saudi Arabia has a spiritual responsibility to abide by religious law and divine instruction.