Saudi Arabia has doubled its rate of executions in 2024, averaging one per day, according to the European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights (ESOHR). The kingdom executed nearly four times more foreigners compared to the previous year and recorded the highest number of women executed in a single year, with nine executions, up from six in 2023.
Executions for drug-related offenses surged significantly, alongside an increase in discretionary sentences under Tazir, a category of punishments not strictly based on Sharia law, the ESOHR reported. The rise has drawn fresh scrutiny from international human rights advocates.
