Saudi Arabia has executed 101 foreigners in 2024, marking a sharp increase from the 34 foreigners executed in both 2023 and 2022, according to an AFP tally based on state media reports.
The most recent execution occurred on Saturday, November 16, in Najran, where a Yemeni national was executed for drug smuggling, the official Saudi Press Agency reported.
Record-Breaking Numbers
The Berlin-based European-Saudi Organisation for Human Rights (ESOHR) confirmed this year’s executions set a grim record.
“This is the largest number of executions of foreigners in one year. Saudi Arabia has never executed 100 foreigners in a year,” said Taha al-Hajji, ESOHR’s legal director.
Global Context and Rising Numbers
Saudi Arabia is among the world’s top executioners, ranking third in 2023 after China and Iran, according to Amnesty International. This year, the total number of executions in the kingdom has reached 274 as of Sunday, surpassing the 196 executions in 2022, the highest figure in more than three decades.
Foreigners make up a significant proportion of those executed, with nationalities including:
- 21 from Pakistan
- 20 from Yemen
- 14 from Syria
- 10 from Nigeria
- 9 from Egypt
- 8 from Jordan
- 7 from Ethiopia
Other nationalities include individuals from Sudan, India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Eritrea, and the Philippines.
Drug-Related Executions Surge
A notable factor driving this year’s spike is the kingdom’s resumption of drug-related executions in 2022 after a three-year moratorium. Of the 92 executions for drug crimes this year, 69 involved foreigners, highlighting their disproportionate representation in such cases.
Challenges Facing Foreign Defendants
Activists and diplomats argue that foreign defendants often face systemic disadvantages in Saudi Arabia’s judicial process, including limited access to court documents and language barriers.
“Foreigners are the most vulnerable group,” said Hajji. “They are often victims of major drug dealers and face violations from arrest to execution.”
Broader Implications
The continued rise in executions—especially of foreigners—raises questions about Saudi Arabia’s human rights practices, particularly its treatment of vulnerable groups within the justice system. Despite international criticism, the kingdom appears to be doubling down on its strict enforcement of capital punishment, further solidifying its reputation as one of the world’s most prolific executioners.